Craft, industry and agriculture in a Roman city : the iron tools from London
London was the administrative centre for and largest city in Roman Britain. After centuries of excavation, Londinium is one of the best understood cities in the Empire. London is also home to one of the most exceptional collections of craft and agricultural tools in the Roman world. These objects represent a wide range of practices, including woodwork, metalwork, leatherwork, masonry, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Due to excellent preservation in waterlogged contexts, many are in exceptional condition. This thesis brings together c.837 metal (mostly iron) tools from multiple collections, many of which have not been published before. Using a combination of detailed typological study and theoretical perspectives on technology and practice, this thesis provides an innovative insight into society and economy amongst the working people of a Roman city; a diverse population of locals, immigrants, specialists and amateurs. A typological discussion identifies these usually neglected objects with reference to French and German literature, highlighting new types for the first time in Britain, and demonstrating a close connection to Continental working practices. These artefacts are then used as the basis for a
Humphreys, Owen James
Craft, industry and agriculture in a Roman city : the iron tools from London. London was the administrative centre for and largest city in Roman Britain. After centuries of excavation, Londinium is one of the best understood cities in the Empire. London is also home to one of the most exceptional collections of craft and agricultural tools in the Roman world. These objects represent a wide range of practices, including woodwork, metalwork, leatherwork, masonry, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Due to excellent preservation in waterlogged contexts, many are in exceptional condition. This thesis brings together c.837 metal (mostly iron) tools from multiple collections, many of which have not been published before. Using a combination of detailed typological study and theoretical perspectives on technology and practice, this thesis provides an innovative insight into society and economy amongst the working people of a Roman city; a diverse population of locals, immigrants, specialists and amateurs. A typological discussion identifies these usually neglected objects with reference to French and German literature, highlighting new types for the first time in Britain, and demonstrating a close connection to Continental working practices. These artefacts are then used as the basis for a
craft industry agriculture roman city iron tool london london administrative centre large_city roman_britain century excavation best_understood city empire london also home exceptional collection craft agricultural tool roman_world object represent wide_range practice include woodwork metalwork masonry agriculture animal_husbandry due excellent preservation waterlogged context many exceptional condition brings_together metal mostly iron tool multiple collection many publish before using_combination detail typological_study theoretical_perspective technology practice provide innovative insight society_economy amongst working people roman city diverse population local immigrant specialist amateurs typological discussion identifies usually neglect object reference french_german literature highlight new_type first_time britain demonstrate close_connection continental working practice artefact use_basis