Antiq J 66

Charles Frederick's drawings of 1737 have been instrumental in relocating five of the missing bronzes of the hoard, four of which were found to have acquired false provenances. The varied histories of ownership of the Arreton bronzes are traced as far as possible and some general lessons about uncorroborated provenances drawn. For the first time the whole of the known hoard is illustrated together. Au (abr)

A slab inscribed FVLGVR DIVOM ('the lightning of the gods') from near Halton Chesters is the only known British example of the Roman taboo of the bidental, a place where lightning has struck.

The quantity and quality of organic, and inorganic, evidence from wetland sites is now well documented by work in Denmark, Switzerland, and Italy in particular, but most European countries have such special sites for greatly augmenting our knowledge of the past. New areas of research, both cultural and environmental, must be opened up, and concerted efforts made not only to direct available resources to this end but also to retain some wetland areas in suitable condition for future preservation or examination. Au (abr)

Excavation at the site dug by J Ward Perkins in 1938 was undertaken to allow comparisons with other Greensand hillforts in Surrey-Kent. The defences appear to have been constructed in first half of 1st century BC, but activity in the invasion period and later may indicate quarrying for stone rather than refortification. Small excavations to test magnetic anomalies within the interior revealed hearths and pottery, perhaps of temporary occupation only.

With the advent of a 7150-year high precision 14C time-scale, archaeologists must supply samples having stringent credentials: Maiden Castle, Bickerton (Cheshire) was selected as a suitable candidate and samples were obtained for four high-precision determinations, giving a date within a few years of 390 cal BC for its construction.

Unjustly neglected, this find made in 1793 near Rochdale consists of a half-size silver arm inscribed by a legionary of the Sixth. Presumably looted from York, or one of the legionary detached units, this important RB piece is now in the British Museum. Metal constituents have been analysed.