Iron Age societies in the Severn-Cotswolds : developing narratives of social and landscape change
The Severn-Cotswold region occupies a pivotal position in Iron Age studies, lying at the interface between the well-studied regions of Wessex, the Upper Thames Valley and the Welsh Marches. In contrast to them, the Severn-Cotswolds has continued to be neglected despite the rich potential demonstrated by earlier surveys and excavations. This study sets the Iron Age of the Severn-Cotswold region in a national context. Both the older material and the mounting new evidence from rescue excavations are examined and interpreted in the light of recent theoretical advances. Aerial photographs have been used to enhance understanding of unexcavated sites which, alongside a database of excavated sites, provide a morphological framework to assess variation in settlement form and social organisation. The material culture and exchange networks of the later 1(^st) millennium BC are also assessed within a wider social context stressing the need to incorporate production, exchange and deposition when studying Iron Age societies. This material is used to construct a narrative of social and landscape change identifying the complexity of community reactions to wider cultural developments. It is suggested that a radical transformation
Moore, Thomas Hugh
Iron Age societies in the Severn-Cotswolds : developing narratives of social and landscape change. The Severn-Cotswold region occupies a pivotal position in Iron Age studies, lying at the interface between the well-studied regions of Wessex, the Upper Thames Valley and the Welsh Marches. In contrast to them, the Severn-Cotswolds has continued to be neglected despite the rich potential demonstrated by earlier surveys and excavations. This study sets the Iron Age of the Severn-Cotswold region in a national context. Both the older material and the mounting new evidence from rescue excavations are examined and interpreted in the light of recent theoretical advances. Aerial photographs have been used to enhance understanding of unexcavated sites which, alongside a database of excavated sites, provide a morphological framework to assess variation in settlement form and social organisation. The material culture and exchange networks of the later 1(^st) millennium BC are also assessed within a wider social context stressing the need to incorporate production, exchange and deposition when studying Iron Age societies. This material is used to construct a narrative of social and landscape change identifying the complexity of community reactions to wider cultural developments. It is suggested that a radical transformation
iron_age societies severn develop narrative social landscape_change severn region occupies pivotal position iron_age study lie interface well_studied region wessex upper thames valley welsh marches contrast severn continue neglect despite rich potential demonstrate earlier survey_excavation study set iron age severn region national_context old material mount new_evidence rescue excavation examine interpreted light_recent theoretical advance aerial_photograph use enhance unexcavated site alongside database excavate_site provide morphological framework ass variation settlement form social_organisation material_culture exchange_network also_assess within_wider social_context stress_need incorporate production_exchange deposition study iron_age society material use construct narrative social landscape_change identify complexity community reaction wider cultural_development suggest radical transformation