George
Author's posts
Jan 24
Briefing – Geography and Geology of Galicia
The region of Galicia, located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, is a land defined by rugged coastlines, mountainous terrain, and fertile valleys. Galicia’s geography and geology have played a fundamental role in shaping both its natural environment and the ways in which ancient civilizations, such as the Gallaeci (the Celtic tribes of Galicia), interacted with their surroundings.
Jan 24
Briefing – Design of Galician Hillforts
Hillforts, or castros, are some of the most iconic archaeological features of Galicia and provide valuable insights into the region’s Celtic past. These ancient settlements, typically constructed on hilltops or elevated locations, were used for defensive and residential purposes by the Gallaeci and other Celtic groups in northwest Spain.
Jan 24
Briefing – Roman Interaction with Galicia and the Iberian Peninsula
Roman Invasion of Hispania: The Romans’ first significant incursions into the Iberian Peninsula began in 218 BCE during the Second Punic War, when Hannibal Barca, the Carthaginian general, crossed the Alps and threatened Rome. This prompted Roman intervention to ensure control of their western Mediterranean territories.
Jan 24
Biefing – The Myth of Breogán and the Tower of Heracles
Breogán is a legendary figure in Galician mythology and is regarded as the founder of the Galician people. The myth of Breogán is part of the ancient Celtic tradition, and while the details of his story vary across sources, he is universally seen as a key figure in the mythological ancestry of the Galicians.
Jan 23
Galicia
The region of Galicia, located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, has a history that stretches back to prehistoric times. Known for its Celtic roots, rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and rich folklore, Galicia is a place steeped in ancient traditions and mystery.
Jan 23
Guide – The Roman Period in the British Isles
Julius Caesar made the first significant Roman attempt to conquer Britannia in 55 BCE during his campaign in Gaul. He landed on the shores of south-eastern Britain, but his invasions were brief and mostly for reconnaissance. Despite some skirmishes, there was no lasting conquest at this stage.
Jan 23
Guide – Archaeological Periods in Western Europe
Understanding the archaeological periods across Western Europe is essential for exploring the evolution of human societies from prehistory to the beginnings of written history. These periods are generally defined by shifts in technology, social organization, and the environment, and they often vary slightly from region to region.
Jan 23
Guide – Landscape Archaeology: Post-Ice Age Landscape of Thornborough
The landscape of Thornborough before the arrival of humans was shaped by the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 10,000 years ago. As the glaciers receded, the land began to warm, leading to the rebirth of plant and animal life. The area would have been covered by a mosaic of vegetation that slowly replaced the tundra-like conditions left behind by the retreating ice sheets.
Jan 23
Guide – Empathic Archaeology: The Ancestral Honour Thought Exercise
The Evolution of Thought: A Father’s Hands and the Birth of Ancestor Reverence Imagine a young boy, observing his father in the field. His father works tirelessly, day in and day out, digging a drainage ditch in the earth, an essential part of their survival. As the boy watches, he doesn’t see just the back-breaking …
Jan 23
Briefing – Galicia’s Political History and Separatist Sentiment
Galicia’s Celtic origins have long played a significant role in shaping the region’s cultural and political identity. Historically, Galicia was inhabited by Celtic tribes, and this heritage is still celebrated today in Galician culture, language, and folklore.
PAS North Yorkshire
- YORYM-0FA1DC COIN EARLY MEDIEVAL 23 January 2025An incomplete Early Medieval (Anglo-Scandinavian) silver penny in the name of St Peter dating to the period c.AD 905 - 910. Two-line horizontal type. Cross pattee reverse. Mint of York.North Vol. 1, p.116, no.551.
- NLM-0DD0C5 BROOCH ROMAN 23 January 2025Copper alloy and iron brooch. Cast headstud brooch, Headstud 6, cf.Mackreth 2011 Pl. 73 no. 11868. A tubular case for an iron axis bar which formerly retained a hinged pin is masked by short wings with two vertically Mackreth typeincised lines on the front of each and surmounted by an integrally cast loop. The wings […]
- NLM-0DA5F4 BROOCH ROMAN 22 January 2025Copper alloy brooch. Cast bow and fantail brooch, Mackreth type undetermined [his CD H 6 includes fantails but none patterned as appears here]. Almost-plain tubular wings – the only decoration is a possibly incised line wandering up the front of each wing to the crest of the bow - clenched behind retain an axis bar […]
- NLM-0D887F COIN ROMAN 22 January 2025Copper alloy coin fragment. A scrap – perhaps one third – of a nummus of the House of Constantine (306-361), Gloria Exercitus issue of 335-341, Reece period 17.Obverse description: [bust] corrodedReverse description: two soldiers with one standard between themReverse inscription: (GLOR) IA E(XERC ITVS]Diameter (in excess of): 13.8mm, Weight: 0.79gms
- NLM-0D6D65 GAMING PIECE EARLY MEDIEVAL 22 January 2025Lead probable game piece. A cast object of slightly conical form with flat ends; the smaller bears an incised saltire or cross, here presumed to be the top. Patinated overall. This may relate to those game pieces of castellated form, which may thus have been distinguished from others. This might be required for the King […]
PAS West Yorkshire
- WAW-51F99E AMPULLA MEDIEVAL 15 January 2025An almost complete cast lead or lead alloy pilgrims ampulla dating from the medieval period; circa late 13th - late 15th century (AD 1250-1500).The ampulla has a circular (scallop) shaped body with a narrowed neck. On the right-hand side of the object situated on the neck is a flattened semi-circular loop. There are the remains of […]
- YORYM-D7E2BA BUCKLE MEDIEVAL 14 January 2025A complete copper-alloy buckle of medieval date, c.AD 1250-1500. Meols Type 2.The buckle is a single looped D-shape with a widened frame and a narrowed and offset bar. A wire pin remains fitted around the bar by an open loop.The metal has a dark brown patina and is in a worn condition. The buckle is 14.61mm […]
PAS South Yorkshire
- NMGW-C31C53 CHARIOT FITTING IRON AGE 24 January 2025Addendum to an Iron Age sacred lake assemblage: a Late Iron Age bridle-bit and terret (50 BC - AD 75)1. Two-link bridle-bit, Polden Hill Subtype, bronze, complete Dimensions: maximum length 238.0mm; external rein-ring diameters (1)73.8-74.0mm & (2) 73.5-74.7mm; internal rein-ring diameters (1) 55.6mm & (2) 56.3mm; thickness rein rings – side to side (1) 8.3-9.0mm & […]
- YORYM-FEC06B AMPULLA MEDIEVAL 22 January 2025An incomplete lead-alloy pilgrim's ampulla of medieval date, c.AD 1350 - 1550.Only part of the body of the ampulla remains which is semi-circular with a worn break to the upper edge from which the neck would have extended. One side of the object is decorated with an eight-petalled 'compass-drawn' flower. The other side is too […]
