Magnetometry
See geophysics.

Maps
A very important part of archaeology. Modern maps, whether on paper or drawn by computer programs, are essential in the plotting out of all the detail of archaeological work, so that a record can be kept and the interrelationships (see context) between features can be appreciated. Old maps – particularly those that show the countryside in detail and record field and placenames – are of immense help in the locating of sites and in explaining what many of the things found during fieldwork actually were.

Medieval/Middle Ages
Usually interpreted by historians as the period between 1066 (the Norman Conquest) and 1485 (the accession of the Tudors). In fact, the decade 1530-40, which includes the dissolution of the monasteries, was much more significant, and marks a more realistic end to the Middle Ages. Some archaeologists now use the term 'medieval' for the whole period, comprising about 1000 years, from the end of the Roman occupation to the time of the Tudors. It can then be divided into the early period up to the Normans, and the 'high medieval' after that. See Dark Ages.

Mesolithic
The last part of the hunter-gatherer period and the middle part of the Stone Age, between the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age) and the Neolithic (New Stone Age) when agriculture and animal husbandry were introduced. In Britain, where it lasted from approximately 10,000 to 4500 BC, it is marked by sophisticated groups of hunter-gatherers who used spears and harpoons that incorporated very small sharp blades called microliths.

Microliths
Tiny stone tools, found particularly from the Mesolithic period. They were probably most often used as barbs for fishing, stitching and other purposes.

Midden deposits
See rubbish heaps.

Monastery
Any religious establishment where the people in it follow a 'rule', like that of St Benedict, and have taken vows. Abbeys, priories, nunneries and friaries are all sorts of monasteries.