On the edge of empire : a new narrative of society in the south-west of England during the first century BC to fifth century AD
This thesis explores the relationship between people and material culture in the south-west of England from the first century BC to the fifth century AD. This area has often been ignored in the narratives of Britannia and the application of traditional theoretical models to the archaeology of the region, such as the Romanisation paradigm, has perpetuated the idea that the south-west peninsula was largely âun-Romanisedâ. The lack of developed urban centres, villa estates, temple sites and the low level of engagement with imported ceramics and other materials from the Roman world has been interpreted through the Romanisation model to suggest that was never fully integrated into the province of Britannia. In recent years the Romanisation paradigm has been heavily critiqued. New theoretical concepts such as discrepant identity theory have been developed which recognise that interactions in the provinces were far more complex than the simplistic dichotomy of Roman v Native. In line with this more emphasis is being placed on artefacts and their use in the creation of identity. Building on this shift in theoretical frameworks this thesis explores the relationship between material culture and the creation of identity.
Thomas, Sian
CC Archaeology
On the edge of empire : a new narrative of society in the south-west of England during the first century BC to fifth century AD. This thesis explores the relationship between people and material culture in the south-west of England from the first century BC to the fifth century AD. This area has often been ignored in the narratives of Britannia and the application of traditional theoretical models to the archaeology of the region, such as the Romanisation paradigm, has perpetuated the idea that the south-west peninsula was largely âun-Romanisedâ. The lack of developed urban centres, villa estates, temple sites and the low level of engagement with imported ceramics and other materials from the Roman world has been interpreted through the Romanisation model to suggest that was never fully integrated into the province of Britannia. In recent years the Romanisation paradigm has been heavily critiqued. New theoretical concepts such as discrepant identity theory have been developed which recognise that interactions in the provinces were far more complex than the simplistic dichotomy of Roman v Native. In line with this more emphasis is being placed on artefacts and their use in the creation of identity. Building on this shift in theoretical frameworks this thesis explores the relationship between material culture and the creation of identity.
edge empire new narrative society south_west_england explore_relationship people material_culture south_west_england area often ignore narrative britannia application traditional theoretical_model archaeology_region romanisation paradigm perpetuate idea south_west peninsula largely romanised lack develop urban_centre villa estate temple_site low_level engagement import ceramic_material roman_world interpret romanisation model suggest never_fully integrated province britannia romanisation paradigm heavily critique new theoretical concept discrepant identity theory develop recognise interaction province far complex simplistic dichotomy roman native line emphasis_place artefact use creation identity building shift theoretical_framework explore_relationship material_culture creation identity