Oxford J Archaeol 5

The gold ornaments from the early Bell-Beaker grave are reinterpreted as hair-plait rings in the style of Central Europe or further east.

After attempting definitions of 'town' and 'continuity' at this period, examines the structures, artefacts, and 'dark earth' in the light of theories of Germanic 'mercenaries' and of 5th century urban activity. Concludes there is no evidence for continuity.

Suggests that 70% of the examples cited by Adkins and Adkins are either dubious or inadequate evidence of deliberate Roman collection of Neo axes; other explanations should be sought.

The tomb's primary phase (late part of Earlier Neo) contains a variety of burial rites, including bone circulation, of a small social group. A secondary phase is seen as covering a long span (end of Earlier Neo to Avebury-Silbury Hill phase of Later Neo), with gradual, patterned filling of the tomb, related to social competition. Some differentiation of chambers by age and sex. (See also 87/340.)

Rejects the search for monocausal explanations: on a wider view, after AD 43 two overlapping and competing systems were at work, one focused on pre-existing sites, the other on the new communications network. Appended is a list of sites in various categories.

Routine analysis of 22 silver rings indicated the addition of brass, instead of pure copper, to some Roman rings. The resultant corrosion products affected the results of surface XRF analysis. Destructive analysis of four rings gave accurate interior compositions comparable with other work.

Isotope ratios indicated at least two sources for the lead in the Poundbury cemetery bones: three individuals had seemingly acquired lead from local ore-sources. The fourth, a child, had a lead isotope ratio identical to that from the Laurion ores, suggesting immigration from Greece rather than importation of lead in food or wine. Au (abr)

Gives a method for the graphic display of data reflecting the physical form of the enclosure, eg to compare ditch segment length with causeway length, etc.

Uses neutron activation analysis and multivariate statistical techniques to derive 11 reference groups, each of tiles of similar clays. Known kiln sites were readily distinguished, but some results suggest mixed sources. Stamps seem to have been removed from one tilery to another. Principal sites treated are Repton, Chilvers Coton, Dale, Beauchief Abbey, Nottingham, Lenton Priory, Ulverscroft Priory.