The principle aim of the thesis was to examine the technology of Late Iron Age decorated metal
work at a time of dynamic change from both internal and external factors. The objects chosen for
this study were predominantly from dry land hoards, and superficially had many aspects in common.
The majority of these hoards were deposited in Britain in the mid first century AD (slightly later in
the case of Middlebie in south west Scotland), and located in areas of attested historical conflict with
the invading Roman army.
Predominant amongst the kind of objects in the hoards were those associated with horses and carts
or chariots; an artefact type of social and historical significance to native British Iron Age societies. It
is argued that the manufacture, use and deposition of these objects were important factors in
maintaining relationships between different Iron Age groups in the face of threats from an invading
force.
Chemical analysis of objects from this period is important. The first century AD witnessed both
technological sophistication and conservatism as the Iron Age metalworkers confronted the
introduction, through continental influence and the Roman army, of new materials such as brass,
and the re-introduction of piece moulds and leaded copper alloys. Coloured Roman glass was also
introduced and used in many parts of Britain, but Insular La Tène style metalwork continued to be
decorated using sealing wax red glass (a specific Iron Age technology). On the whole, an innate
conservatism in object styles and materials was maintained, irrespective of acquired knowledge and
the availability of new technologies. In fact, Late Insular La Tène art developed and flourished, as
some indigenous Britons adopted a strong identity through the use of specific objects, technologies
and artistic styles; recognisable throughout large parts of Britain.
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