Dr Cat Jarman stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of bioarchaeology and field archaeology, renowned for her expertise in the Viking Age, Viking women, and the enigmatic Rapa Nui. Employing cutting-edge forensic techniques such as isotope analysis, carbon dating, and DNA analysis on human remains, cat jarman meticulously reconstructs the lives of individuals from the past, weaving their experiences into the broader tapestry of historical narratives.
Her critically acclaimed book, “River Kings: A New History of Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Roads,” published by HarperCollins in 2021, explores the fascinating connections between Vikings in the west and the Silk Roads, demonstrating the expansive reach of Viking influence. This work has solidified cat jarman’s reputation as a leading voice in Viking studies.
Currently holding the position of Honorary Senior Research Associate at the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Bristol, Dr Jarman also directs Munin Archaeology, an archaeological research unit furthering our understanding of past societies.
Dr Jarman earned her PhD in Archaeology from the University of Bristol in December 2017, focusing her doctoral research on the late 9th-century Viking Great Army at Repton in Derbyshire. Her groundbreaking thesis combined intricate bioarchaeological and forensic analyses of Viking Age burials, notably a mass grave containing almost 300 individuals, alongside innovative excavations of the Viking winter camp and the Early Medieval Monastery. This pivotal research served as the foundation for the compelling 2019 documentaries “Britain’s Viking Graveyard” (Channel 4) and “The Lost Viking Army” (PBS/Nova), bringing cat jarman’s findings to a wider audience.
Beyond her Viking expertise, cat jarman has made significant contributions to the study of the ancient populations of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), publishing research on their diet, resource utilization, and origins. Her current projects include directing ongoing excavations at the Anglo-Saxon and Viking site of Repton and a newly discovered Viking winter camp at Foremark. Furthermore, she leads excavations at a Viking Age Rus fortified settlement in Vypovzyv, Ukraine, showcasing the breadth of her archaeological pursuits.
An accomplished public speaker and communicator, cat jarman recently captivated audiences at TEDxBath with her insightful talk on archaeology, migration, and forensics. She frequently lends her expertise to various media outlets, including New Scientist, the New York Times, and BBC radio, and engages with audiences through popular podcasts such as HistoryHit with Dan Snow. Her research consistently garners international attention from print and online news platforms, highlighting the global impact of cat jarman’s work.
Dr Jarman’s engaging presence extends to television, where she has contributed to numerous documentaries as both an on-screen expert and historical consultant for prominent channels like the BBC, Channel 4, History, and Discovery.
In the podcasting sphere, Cat Jarman joined historian Matt Lewis in the History Hit podcast Gone Medieval, delving into the complexities of the Middle Ages and illuminating this often misunderstood historical period. Since 2023, she has also co-hosted The Rabbit Hole Detectives, a popular history podcast further expanding her reach and engagement with the public.
Currently, cat jarman is a senior advisor on academic content development for the new Museum of the Viking Age at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo. She is also a research fellow at the Cultural Heritage Institute, Royal Agricultural University, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, elected recently. Her latest book, “The Bone Chests: Unearthing the Story of the Anglo-Saxons,” released in 2023, further cements her position as a leading expert in Anglo-Saxon and Viking history. Through her diverse roles and extensive research, cat jarman continues to illuminate the past, making archaeology accessible and engaging for all.
