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This report describes the results of three archaeological excavations which took place within the medieval burgh of Dumbarton, two by Eric Talbot between 1971 and 1972 on the High Street and at College Street and the third, on the High... more
This report describes the results of three archaeological excavations which took place within the medieval burgh of Dumbarton, two by Eric Talbot between 1971 and 1972 on the High Street and at College Street and the third, on the High Street, by SUAT in 1997. Evidence of medieval activity, including metal working, was found on burgage plots in the High Street. A large pottery assemblage provided an important opportunity to investigate medieval trends in a west coast burgh, an area hitherto under-represented in ceramic studies. Glass waste at College Street may have originated from the site of the late 18th/19th-century Dumbarton Glassworks.
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Archaeological fieldwork on the old garage site on Bridge Street, Kelso, has revealed the extensive and well-preserved remains of buildings associated with the Abbey precinct. A series of large, substantial structures lay immediately to... more
Archaeological fieldwork on the old garage site on Bridge Street, Kelso, has revealed the extensive and well-preserved remains of buildings associated with the Abbey precinct. A series of large, substantial structures lay immediately to the west of the site of the cloister's west range. Pottery from the site includes stratified examples of an early pink Gritty Ware, similar to that found in early levels at Jedburgh. A rare condiment dish, possibly thirteenth-century in date, was also found. Evidence of copper-based alloy working was also identified. Two principal phases of construction were identified, separated by a major reorganisation and landscaping of the site, in perhaps the late-thirteenth or early-fourteenth century. One of the later buildings is tentatively identified as the monastic granary. There are indications that this part of the precinct was possibly abandoned prior to the Dissolution in the late-sixteenth century. Forming part of the later glebe lands, the area ...
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In Greece, holy springs (ayiasmata) are normally discussed in the context of the chapels and the saints with whom they are almost always associated. This paper sets out to present and discuss six holy springs from the island of Lemnos, NE... more
In Greece, holy springs (ayiasmata) are normally discussed in the context of the chapels and the saints with whom they are almost always associated. This paper sets out to present and discuss six holy springs from the island of Lemnos, NE Aegean, based on the hydrogeological parameters that characterize them and the archaeological landscape that surrounds them; also to juxtapose data deriving from this group with similar data from ordinary springs which are used for irrigation and/or drinking. Preliminary results suggest that hydrogeological data do not demonstrate substantial differences between holy springs and ordinary springs. This observation implies that any single natural spring has had, in principle, the potential to become an ayiasma but selection may have rested on aspects of the physical environment conducive to healing and less so on the physicochemical parameters of the waters involved. However, other physical parameters (microbiological) which are not addressed here ma...
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Efflorescences in the geothermal field of SE Melos, Greece, contain significant amounts of hydrated Al sulphate, alunogen, which could represent the Melian alumen exploited in Roman times and commended by Pliny. The efflorescences at... more
Efflorescences in the geothermal field of SE Melos, Greece, contain significant amounts of hydrated Al sulphate, alunogen, which could represent the Melian alumen exploited in Roman times and commended by Pliny. The efflorescences at subaerial fumaroles are explained as follows: Sulphur crystallizes on oxidation of H2S emanating from depth. Weathering produces sulphuric acid enhancing groundwater alteration of volcanic rocks. The high geothermal gradient and arid climate stimulate efflorescences. Salts are recycled during wet and dry weather leading to Al-enrichment on loss of Fe(II,III) and other cations. δ34S‰ V-CDT values for sulphur in fumarole sublimates, solfatara soils and ‘veins’ range from —0.3 to 6.4‰, mean 3.8‰ (n = 8) while Al, Ca and Mg-sulphates in diverse settings range from —4.1 to 6.8‰ (n = 16). The values for sulphur indicate that the initial H2S had an igneous source and the signature is largely inherited by the sulphates.This study aims to underpin research into ...
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This paper presents the scientific investigation of three Lemnian sphragides (terra sigillata, stamped earth), a famed medicinal clay in antiquity, dated to the sixteenth–seventeenth centuries, and presently in the Museum for the History... more
This paper presents the scientific investigation of three Lemnian sphragides (terra sigillata, stamped earth), a famed medicinal clay in antiquity, dated to the sixteenth–seventeenth centuries, and presently in the Museum for the History of Pharmacy, University of Basel. The three specimens are compared with clays from the purported locality of its extraction, at Kotsinas, NE Lemnos, Greece. The study suggests a local origin for the Basel samples; it also demonstrates, for the first time, that the three Lemnian sphragides have a significant antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, a common Gram-positive pathogen, but have no such effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative microorganism. Clay samples from the purported locality of extraction showed no antibacterial effect against S. aureus. Subsequent analysis with ultra-performance liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) revealed the presence of organic constituents in one sphragis which were absent ...
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A Pb-based synthetic mineral referred to as psimythion (pl. psimythia) was manufactured in the Greek world at least since the 6th c BCE and routinely by the 4th c BCE. Theophrastus (On Stones, 56) describes its preparation from metallic... more
A Pb-based synthetic mineral referred to as psimythion (pl. psimythia) was manufactured in the Greek world at least since the 6th c BCE and routinely by the 4th c BCE. Theophrastus (On Stones, 56) describes its preparation from metallic Pb suspended over a fermenting liquid. Psimythion is considered the precursor of one of western art’s most prominent white pigments, i.e. lead white (basic lead carbonate or synthetic hydrocerussite). However, so far, and for that early period, published analyses of psimythia suggest that they consisted primarily of synthetic cerussite. In this paper, we set out to investigate how it was possible to manufacture pure cerussite, to the near exclusion of other phases. We examined the chemical and mineralogical composition (pXRF/XRD) of a small number of psimythion pellets found within ceramic pots (pyxis) from Athens and Boeotia (5th–4th c BCE) in the collection of the National Archaeological Museum (NAM), Athens. Analyses showed that the NAM pellets co...
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In response to the threat posed by marine and river erosion, a series of deeply stratified midden deposits was excavated in caves leading off a narrow, rock-cut inlet known as the Geodha Smoo, near Durness, Sutherland. These included the... more
In response to the threat posed by marine and river erosion, a series of deeply stratified midden deposits was excavated in caves leading off a narrow, rock-cut inlet known as the Geodha Smoo, near Durness, Sutherland. These included the famous Smoo Cave (NGR: NC 4136 6714), at the southern end of the inlet; two smaller caves cut into the western wall of the inlet (Glassknapper's Cave and Antler Cave); and a fourth cave (Wetweather Cave) in the eastern wall. The majority of excavated deposits from these caves appear to relate to Viking/Norse or post-Norse activity, with fish bones, marine shells and mammal and bird bones representing the processing and consumption of marine and terrestrial foods. Possible evidence for metalsmithing in the form of iron slag and boat nails could suggest that boats were repaired in the sheltered inlet. Four radiocarbon dates from Smoo Cave and Glassknapper's Cave provide evidence for use of these sites between the eighth and 11th centuries AD. ...
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The method used by archaeologists for excavation and recording of the stratigraphic evidence, within trenches with or without archaeological remains, can potentially be useful to contaminated land consultants (CLCs). The implementation of... more
The method used by archaeologists for excavation and recording of the stratigraphic evidence, within trenches with or without archaeological remains, can potentially be useful to contaminated land consultants (CLCs). The implementation of archaeological practice in contaminated land assessments (CLAs) is not meant to be an exercise in data overkill; neither should it increase costs. Rather, we suggest, that if the excavation and recording, by a trained archaeologist, of the stratigraphy is followed by in-situ chemical characterisation then it is possible that much uncertainty associated with current field sampling practices, may be removed. This is because built into the chemical stratigraphy is the temporal and spatial relationship between different parts of the site reflecting the logic behind the distribution of contamination. An archaeological recording with chemical stratigraphy approach to sampling may possibly provide 'one method fits all' for potentially contaminated land sites (CLSs), just as archaeological characterisation of the stratigraphic record provides 'one method fits all' for all archaeological sites irrespective of period (prehistoric to modern) or type (rural, urban or industrial). We also suggest that there may be practical and financial benefits to be gained by pulling together expertise and resources stemming from different disciplines, not simply at the assessment phase, but also subsequent phases, in contaminated land improvement.
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The industrial minerals (IM) of antiquity, the ‘earths’ of the Classical sources, have for long eluded the archaeological record because of the limited material evidence they leave behind in the course of their extraction and processing.... more
The industrial minerals (IM) of antiquity, the ‘earths’ of the Classical sources, have for long eluded the archaeological record because of the limited material evidence they leave behind in the course of their extraction and processing. The extensive references in Classical and medieval literature and travellers' accounts have never previously been followed up by detailed surveys and by scientific analysis. In the course of April–May 1998 archaeological, topographic and geological surveys were carried out at the Roman site of Aghia Kyriaki, on the island of Melos, with the long term aim of putting the elusive ‘earths’ on the archaeological map of ancient industries. The present article outlines the work so far and highlights the complex factors that may contribute to the identification and characterisation of industrial minerals working in the absence of pyrotechnological waste. Furthermore, since IM processing requires a sustainable low temperature energy source, the hypothesi...
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The Hellenic Society for Archaeometry (HSA) was founded in 1982 and is the professional body representing academics and research centers in Greece and within the Greek Archaeological Service who employ physical and earth sciences in... more
The Hellenic Society for Archaeometry (HSA) was founded in 1982 and is the professional body representing academics and research centers in Greece and within the Greek Archaeological Service who employ physical and earth sciences in archaeology. The HSA is a vibrant group of researchers who over the years have made a substantial contribution to the understanding of Greeces Cultural Heritage.The 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry (HSA) took place in May 2013, at the Acropolis Museum in Athens. The HSA Symposium proceedings are aimed particularly at young researchers working on Greek materials and landscapes as a venue for presenting their work. This volume comprising thirty-two papers is divided in two parts: the first deals with materials (ceramics, glass, metal, paintings, paper) and the second with the landscape and its multifaceted aspects (dating, prospection, visualisation). Within each section issues of conservation, dating, and computer applications are interwoven together with aspects of intangible heritage.
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This paper focuses on the site of San Vincenzo, Stromboli, Italy, and the use of the portable X-Ray Fluorescence analyser (p-XRF) in the field, as a fast and efficient means of geochemical data collection and processing, without the need... more
This paper focuses on the site of San Vincenzo, Stromboli, Italy, and the use of the portable X-Ray Fluorescence analyser (p-XRF) in the field, as a fast and efficient means of geochemical data collection and processing, without the need to remove a sample. The purpose of the exercise is to aid the archaeological enquiry and to attempt to tie archaeological deposits and their chronology with the natural bedrock (i. e. scoriae and lapilli). We conclude that throughout the Bronze Age phase of the settlement the chemical make-up of the archaeological deposits is drawn largely from the lapilli-rich deposits which were formed after the end of the Neostromboli period, punctuated with those drawn from the scoriaceous lava that preceded the lapilli phase at the end of the same period. On the other hand, the post-BA deposits are geochemically different, pointing to new eruptive events. Our on-going work aims to systematically assess and compare the information that derives from each of the d...
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Archaeological fieldwork on the old garage site on Bridge Street, Kelso has revealed the extensive and well-preserved remains of buildings associated with the Abbey precinct. A series of large, substantial structures lay immediately to... more
Archaeological fieldwork on the old garage site on Bridge Street, Kelso has revealed the extensive and well-preserved remains of buildings associated with the Abbey precinct. A series of large, substantial structures lay immediately to the west of the site of the cloister's west range. Pottery from the site includes stratified examples of an early pink Gritty Ware, similar to that found in early levels at Jedburgh. A rare condiment dish, possibly 13th century in date, was also found. Evidence of copper-based alloy working was also identified. Two principal phases of construction were identified, separated by a major reorganization and landscaping of the site, in perhaps the late 13th or early 14th century. One of the later buildings is tentatively identified as the monastic granary. There are indications that this part of the precinct was possibly abandoned prior to the Dissolution in the late 16th century. Forming part of the later glebe lands, the area was ultimately given ove...
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This paper describes results of salvage excavations undertaken on the remains of an early medieval cemetery at Chapelhall, Innellan, Argyll, in 1994. The limited excavations revealed a total of nine burials located in four trenches on a... more
This paper describes results of salvage excavations undertaken on the remains of an early medieval cemetery at Chapelhall, Innellan, Argyll, in 1994. The limited excavations revealed a total of nine burials located in four trenches on a house building site. The graves indicate the existence of a late 10th-century burial ground associated with the site of a known chapel c 10 m to the north. At least three long cist burials were recognized, two of which were subsequently excavated. Finds recovered from the burial deposits included animal teeth and metallurgical waste.
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We report here the nature of alum from Melos described in classical and later sources, and reconfirm that it was predominantly the mineral alunogen, Al2(SO4)3.17(H2O). Given that some sources report in addition to solid alum the presence... more
We report here the nature of alum from Melos described in classical and later sources, and reconfirm that it was predominantly the mineral alunogen, Al2(SO4)3.17(H2O). Given that some sources report in addition to solid alum the presence of ‘liquid’ alum, as the most abundant form of alum, (stypteria phorime), and that this is presently scarce, we suggest that its scarcity may be corroborating evidence for cooling of theMelos geothermal field.
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A case is made that attention should shift from the archaeology of process, guided largely by the archival evidence, to the archaeology of practice by scrutinizing the material record. Holistic Context Analysis applied to the industrial... more
A case is made that attention should shift from the archaeology of process, guided largely by the archival evidence, to the archaeology of practice by scrutinizing the material record. Holistic Context Analysis applied to the industrial soils and finds at Moffat Upper Steam Forge has led to a more coherent and realistic picture of construction and demolition at the site, as well as of its puddling industry, than could be learned from the historical narrative of the iron and steel industry in the Monklands, the most industrialized part of Scotland in the 19th century.
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This paper is speculative but is based on the observation that there is archaeological evidence for the existence of Mycenaean pottery in the vicinity of natural resources, rich in astringent minerals. These resources include alum group... more
This paper is speculative but is based on the observation that there is archaeological evidence for the existence of Mycenaean pottery in the vicinity of natural resources, rich in astringent minerals. These resources include alum group minerals from the volcanic environments of Melos, in the Aegean, the Aeolian Islands and the Bay of Naples in Italy and the metal sulphates of Cyprus associated with copper sulphide mineralisation. Both types of minerals could have served (amongst other applications) as mordants for the Bronze Age textiles industry. Despite Mycenaean awareness of these minerals, there is little evidence for Mycenaean trading in them. There is however the interesting reference in the Linear B tablets to tu-ru-pte-ri-ja, stypteria, or alum. We suggest that the term may have covered all types of astringent minerals, from both east and west, particularly in view of its association in one tablet from Pylos, with ku-pi-ri-jo, Kuprios or Cypriot. The proposal has implicatio...
The ubiquitous presence of bloomery mounds in the Scottish Highlands and the speed of their destruction by forestry, agriculture and animal husbandry, combined with the limited understanding of the industry that produced them, has... more
The ubiquitous presence of bloomery mounds in the Scottish Highlands and the speed of their destruction by forestry, agriculture and animal husbandry, combined with the limited understanding of the industry that produced them, has stimulated a one-year pilot investigation aimed at the development of a methodology for their study and means of preservation. Five disciplines (archaeology, history, geology, geophysics and archaeometallurgy) provided the foundations of three separate phases of activity to include (a) the evaluation of documentary sources, (b) the assessment of the mounds and their immediate natural environment by geological, geophysical and archaeological means of prospection, and (c) the scientific examination of potential ore sources and industrial waste. Three phases in bloomery making were revealed : traditional small-scale production, traditional large scale and advanced large-scale (probably making use of water power) at three different locations in the Highlands. ...