| Unit name | Celtic & Roman Archaeology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ARCH11009 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Alex Bentley |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Anthropology and Archaeology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The unit will present and discuss the evidence for pre-Roman nucleated settlement, trade and early state formation. The influence of Roman expansion on the tribal societies in north-western Europe will be emphasised and the way in which the local populations reacted to Roman rule will be a pivotal theme. Whilst Roman influence appears to be high at a superficial level, the unit will show how the so-called "Celtic" peoples of north-western Europe subtly adapted Roman customs to produce a distinctive rich and lively culture. The end of Roman influence in the region and the re-emergence of an insular post-Roman culture will also be examined. The evidence will be drawn mainly from Britain and Gaul and the results of the very latest research incorporated into each lecture.
Aims:
The unit is designed to introduce students to the diversity of the archaeological evidence from northern Europe in the period c150BC to AD480. It will pay close attention to the impact of the initial Roman military conquest on local people and explore the immense variability in their responses to the imposition of Roman administration and control, evidenced through the archaeological record.
This unit will provide you with a basic understanding of the multi-disciplinary methods and approaches in current archaeological practice and theory, as applied to the archaeology of the north-western Roman provinces and the territories on the borders.
One assessed essay (50% of overall mark) and a written exam (50% of overall mark). A list of topics and reading guides is given below. Extensions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Two short (15 mins) question and answer sessions are offered to give students an opportunity to discuss essay structure and revision for the exam.
Alcock J P (2006) Life in Roman Britain (Stroud: Tempus)
Kamm A (2008) The Romans, An Introduction, 2nd Revised Edition, (London and New York: Routledge)
Mattingly, D. (2006) An Imperial Possession: Britain in the Roman Empire (London: Penguin)
Millett, M. (1990) The Romanization of Britain (Cambridge: CUP)
Shotter, D, (2004) Roman Britain, (Second Edition), (London: Routledge)
