Roman and native in Scotland: new approaches

Abstract

Roman-native relationships have been an active topic of debate for many years, and interest shows no signs of abating. However, in the three decades since the last major survey of the Scottish data (Robertson 1970) there has been a substantial increase in the data-set, and it should now be possible to develop more complex and robust interpretations. The aim here is not to present a detailed new corpus of Roman material from non-Roman sites, although a list of finds since Robertson's work is given in the Appendix: instead, it is to look at the quantity and distribution of the material; to explore new approaches that allow us to develop models of its use; and to look at its nature. The study concerns itself with finds from Iron Age sites, burials or hoards; stray finds are not considered in detail since their cultural context is much harder to assess. The focus is on the uses made of Roman material in Iron Age societies. From this perspective, the mechanisms by which the material was acquired and the motives of the Romans in dealing with the ‘barbarians’ are less crucial, and they will not be considered in detail here. Different parts of Scotland sustained very different societies during the Iron Age and had quite different histories of Roman contact (Armit 1997a; Breeze 1982). To allow for this, an attempt will be made to identify regional patterns in the use of Roman material.

Creating an Imperial Frontier: Archaeology of the Formation of Rome?s Danube Borderland

“…At settlements and cemeteries in and around Eining, Regensburg, Straubing, and Landshut, and in the hinterlands away from these centers, the archaeological evidence shows a complex interplay of local techniques, practices, and styles, together with new elements introduced by soldiers and merchants from other parts of the empire. Ongoing research elsewhere along the Roman frontiers indicates similar patterns on the European continent (Barrett et al, 1989;Slofstra, 2002), in Britain (Hunter, 2001;Webster and Cooper, 1996), and on other continents Jackson, 2002).…”

A Later Prehistoric Settlement and Metalworking Site at Seafield West, near Inverness, Highland

“…Most sites have produced only one or two finds, but some richer sites are known, such as the settlement site of Birnie, or the ritual site of the Sculptor's Cave, Covesea (Benton 1931;Hunter 2007). The brooches are likely to have been valued as some form of status good (see Macinnes 1984, 241-5;Hunter 2001;Hunter 2007).…”

Northumbria in the West: Considering Interaction Through Monumentality

“…Although a long way overland from the Roman civitas capital at Carlisle, western Galloway would have been just a few hours' journey by sea, and hostile relations would have placed strain on coastal defences. Ptolemy's map places the Novantae and Selgovae to the west and east of the Nith respectively (Strang 1997: 25), and it is possible that the distribution of Roman exotica in this area (Hunter 2001;Wilson 2001) represents relationships between the Roman militarized zone and the Novantae or their successors. Roman activity in Galloway is considered to have been sporadic and confined to short-lived, specific campaigns; the area may have retained independence, and accumulated wealth, through peaceful alliance.…”