| Abstract: |
Report on archaeological investigations of the hillfort of Dunadd in Argyll, popularly believed to be the capital of the early Scottish kingdom of Dál Riata. The authors review the documentary and historical evidence relating to the site, and present an overview of work done on the site by past antiquarians and archaeologists. The results of excavations carried out in 1980--1 are then described. These revealed two phases of Iron Age activity, dated to c. 400--200 cal BC and to 100 cal BC to AD 100 cal, and involving a substantial stone structure on the summit of the hill in at least one of these phases. The main phase of construction of the visible walls of the fort appears to belong to the early medieval period, beginning with the construction of an oval fort in the fourth to fifth century AD. By the seventh century additional enclosures had been included in the defensive works, and subsequently the summit fort was remodelled to create its present pear-shaped plan; at the same time the main outer enclosure wall was built, utilising the natural rock-cleft entrance. These later building activities seem to belong to the eighth, ninth or tenth centuries AD. These dates are supported by finds from the excavations, which also throw light on the socio-economic development of Dál Riata. The excavations uncovered evidence of a seventh-century metalworking workshop with over 900 mould fragments, 250 crucible sherds, waste products, scrap metalwork, tools and raw materials. Scientific analysis indicates sophisticated metalworking practices with evidence for the working of gold, silver, copper alloys, lead, tin, iron and glass. The moulds were mainly for penannular brooches, typological analysis of which has led to a redefinition of the chronology of some Insular brooches. Mould fragments for a large compartmented brooch show that such brooches were produced in Scotland, and at an earlier date that assumed from art historical evidence. The interaction of `Germanic' and `Celtic' art styles is attested by the presence of Anglo-Saxon artefacts and moulds showing Anglo-Saxon influence. The site can be identified as a major centre in the development of the Hiberno-Saxon style. Other finds include a wide range of exotic items including imported pottery, glass and raw materials from as far away as the Mediterranean. It is suggested that the presence of a unique group of rock carvings outside the fort indicates that the site was the place of inauguration of the kings of Dál Riata. The excavation evidence confirms major use of the site in the period of the seventh to ninth centuries. Separately authored contributions include |
