Weapons, warfare and society in Britain, 1250-750 BC
This research project was designed as a large scale detailed study of British swords and spearheads, of the period from approximately 1250-750BC. 202 small metallurgical samples and 4 large sword cross sections were examined metallographically. Chemical compositions were ascertained. Sections of 'sword edge' were prepared and impacted experimentally to reproduce combat damage and the results used to help assess the 499 swords and 485 spearheads, which were measured and examined visually. The results were analysed statistically according to regional and typological groupings. The distribution of manufacturing characteristics showed significant regional and typological variations and indicate a hierarchy of technical proficiency. Metallographic examinations also revealed a number of weapons which had been burnt. The compositional analyses showed metal being recycled and mixed, although alloys used were similar. Aspects of typological classification were quantified and regional patterns of distribution were assessed. Patterns of damage confirmed that that the majority of the weapons had probably been used in combat before deposition. There were significant regional and chronological differences in the proportions
Bridgford, Susan Deirdre
Swords; Spearheads
Weapons, warfare and society in Britain, 1250-750 BC. This research project was designed as a large scale detailed study of British swords and spearheads, of the period from approximately 1250-750BC. 202 small metallurgical samples and 4 large sword cross sections were examined metallographically. Chemical compositions were ascertained. Sections of 'sword edge' were prepared and impacted experimentally to reproduce combat damage and the results used to help assess the 499 swords and 485 spearheads, which were measured and examined visually. The results were analysed statistically according to regional and typological groupings. The distribution of manufacturing characteristics showed significant regional and typological variations and indicate a hierarchy of technical proficiency. Metallographic examinations also revealed a number of weapons which had been burnt. The compositional analyses showed metal being recycled and mixed, although alloys used were similar. Aspects of typological classification were quantified and regional patterns of distribution were assessed. Patterns of damage confirmed that that the majority of the weapons had probably been used in combat before deposition. There were significant regional and chronological differences in the proportions
weapons warfare society britain project design large_scale detail_study british sword spearhead period approximately small metallurgical sample large sword cross_section examine chemical_composition ascertain sections sword edge prepare impact experimentally reproduce combat damage use help assess sword spearhead measure examine visually analyse statistically accord regional typological grouping distribution manufacturing characteristic show significant regional typological variation indicate hierarchy technical proficiency examination also_reveal number weapon burn compositional_analysis show metal recycle mixed although alloy use similar aspects typological_classification quantify regional_pattern distribution assess patterns damage confirm majority weapon probably use combat deposition significant regional_chronological difference proportion