Metalworking crucibles in Roman Britain
This thesis presents the results of a systematic study of Roman period crucibles in Britain. Detailed fabric and technical analysis were carried out on crucibles, from two major case study areas, London and Hadrianâs Wall. The ceramic fabrics of the crucibles were characterised through macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical analysis. The results have revealed two distinct technological traditions that appear to correlate with site type. The first tradition identified is wheel-thrown vessels made of white firing, refractory ceramic. These crucibles often have a second layer of clay applied to the exterior surface (EOLs). These crucible types appear to predominate at large urban centres, such as Londonâthe provincial capital of Britain. The evidence collected indicates a high degree of standardisation in the fabric and form, both across sites and over considerable time periods. In contrast, the second tradition identified, predominates at military and periphery settlements. The crucibles found in these settings are handmade and show large variation in form and, to a lesser degree, fabric. These results have been used to explore how the structure of industry varied within different socio-economic environments
Gardner, Carlotta
Metalworking crucibles in Roman Britain. This thesis presents the results of a systematic study of Roman period crucibles in Britain. Detailed fabric and technical analysis were carried out on crucibles, from two major case study areas, London and Hadrianâs Wall. The ceramic fabrics of the crucibles were characterised through macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical analysis. The results have revealed two distinct technological traditions that appear to correlate with site type. The first tradition identified is wheel-thrown vessels made of white firing, refractory ceramic. These crucibles often have a second layer of clay applied to the exterior surface (EOLs). These crucible types appear to predominate at large urban centres, such as Londonâthe provincial capital of Britain. The evidence collected indicates a high degree of standardisation in the fabric and form, both across sites and over considerable time periods. In contrast, the second tradition identified, predominates at military and periphery settlements. The crucibles found in these settings are handmade and show large variation in form and, to a lesser degree, fabric. These results have been used to explore how the structure of industry varied within different socio-economic environments
metalworking crucible roman_britain present_systematic study roman_period crucible britain detailed fabric technical analysis_carry crucible two_major case_study area london hadrian_wall ceramic_fabric crucible characterise macroscopic_microscopic chemical_analysis reveal two_distinct technological tradition appear correlate site_type first tradition identify wheel vessel make white firing ceramic crucible often second layer clay apply exterior surface crucible type appear predominate large_urban centre london provincial_capital britain evidence collect indicate_high degree standardisation fabric form across site considerable_time period contrast second tradition identify predominate military periphery settlement crucible find setting handmade show large variation form less degree fabric use explore structure industry vary within different socio_economic environment