Higham2020 abstract extension, registration opening and a collaboration proposal

via Oli Pryce, the deadline for Higham 2020 has been extended to the end of January.

Dear colleagues,
The Higham2020 abstract deadline is today. I’ve had some great and innovative proposals submitted but there’s space for more and, perhaps, the year of the pig hasn’t been your thing. Therefore I’m going to extend so you get six days of rat, with a new deadline of 31st January 2020. I hope this gives a bit more flexibility around the holiday season.
….On that note, I have the whole registration system setup on the official CNRS conference website (link from https://higham2020.wordpress.com/registration/) buuuuut there is some small bug preventing subscription working. I’m probably having to wait until IT support returns on 6th January, I’ll send notification once it’s active. Also, please let me know by email your accommodation, diet and, eventually, childcare needs.
Finally, I have had a very interesting proposal from Dr Stephen Murphy, who, in the spirit of Higham2020, is seeking out a presentation partner. Please find attached his abstract and contact him directly on Stephen_MURPHY@nhb.gov.sg if you want to discuss teaming up.
Best wishes and happy new year, 2020 tonight and rat in four weeks,Oli

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Dr T. O. Pryce
Chargé de Recherche Première ClasseUMR 7055 Préhistoire et TechnologieCentre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Director of the French Archaeological Mission in Myanmar

What can river systems tell us about the past? Case studies from Southeast Asia
Multi-presenter paper proposal
Stephen A. Murphy
Senior Curator, Asian Civilisations Museum

The Mun river system has been the environmental backdrop to much of Charles Higham’s research over the last half-century. Sites such as Ban Non Wat, Noen U-Loke and Non Ban Jak for instance are all nestled within the upper reaches of the Mun river valley. In later centuries, the Khmer site of Phimai also developed along the banks of this section of the Mun river.
River systems in Southeast Asia are an integral component in any consideration of settlement patterns and the development of human societies, past and present. They first and foremost provide essential sources of clean, drinkable water. They are a key means of travel, transportation, trade and the flow of goods and ideas. They are also indispensable in developing more intensive and productive agricultural systems. They therefore reveal much
in terms of water management strategies. Successful implementation and administration of these strategies can lead to flourishing urban centres and societies. Conversely, if applied unsuccessfully, the consequences on a society can be detrimental, or even potentially catastrophic.
This paper discusses the significance of river systems in Southeast Asia in relation to the development of human societies and culture as well as highlighting the potential and challenges that they represent for archaeological investigation.