The identification of ritual in the Later Iron Age, with specific reference to selected themes in protohistoric Gaul and Britain
This thesis proceeds from the contention that the relationship between text and archaeology, which comprises protohistoric study, is poorly understood. The archaeology of Later Iron Age religious ritual is employed as a forum for examination of this relationship. Whilst text is often privileged in protohistoric study, the Later Iron Age textual data themselves have not been adequately examined. The first aim of this thesis is therefore to evaluate comments on the rites and beliefs of peoples described as <i>Keltoi</i> or <i>Galli</i> in Classical texts of Later Iron Age date. This evaluation forms the basis for exploitation of the potential of the texts and for analysis of existing archaeological approaches to this material. The second part of this work examines three site categories from the current Later Iron Age ritual corpus. These are: water sources, wells and shafts, and rectilinear enclosures. The archaeological criteria on which cult identities are advanced in each case are examined, as is the nature and extent of the use of textual data in informing the ritual identities afforded these <i>loci</i>. It is concluded that ritual identities are not assigned primarily on the basis of Later Iron Age material
Webster, Jane
The identification of ritual in the Later Iron Age, with specific reference to selected themes in protohistoric Gaul and Britain. This thesis proceeds from the contention that the relationship between text and archaeology, which comprises protohistoric study, is poorly understood. The archaeology of Later Iron Age religious ritual is employed as a forum for examination of this relationship. Whilst text is often privileged in protohistoric study, the Later Iron Age textual data themselves have not been adequately examined. The first aim of this thesis is therefore to evaluate comments on the rites and beliefs of peoples described as <i>Keltoi</i> or <i>Galli</i> in Classical texts of Later Iron Age date. This evaluation forms the basis for exploitation of the potential of the texts and for analysis of existing archaeological approaches to this material. The second part of this work examines three site categories from the current Later Iron Age ritual corpus. These are: water sources, wells and shafts, and rectilinear enclosures. The archaeological criteria on which cult identities are advanced in each case are examined, as is the nature and extent of the use of textual data in informing the ritual identities afforded these <i>loci</i>. It is concluded that ritual identities are not assigned primarily on the basis of Later Iron Age material
identification ritual specific_reference select theme protohistoric gaul britain proceeds contention relationship text archaeology comprise protohistoric study poorly_understood archaeology religious_ritual employ forum examination relationship whilst text often privilege protohistoric study textual_data adequately examine first aim_therefore evaluate comment rites belief people describe classical text date evaluation form_basis exploitation potential text_analysis exist archaeological_approach material second_part work examines three_site category current ritual corpus water_source well shaft enclosures archaeological criterion cult identity advance case examine nature_extent use textual_data inform ritual identity afford locus conclude ritual identity assign primarily basis material