Between prehistory and history: the archaeological detection of social change among the Picts

Noble, G., Campbell, E. , Gondek, M. and Cook, M. (2013) Between prehistory and history: the archaeological detection of social change among the Picts. Antiquity, 87(338), pp. 1136-1150. (doi: 10.1017/S0003598X00049917)

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Abstract

The development of small-scale kingdoms in the post-Roman world of northwestern Europe is a key stage in the subsequent emergence of medieval states. Recent excavations at Rhynie in north-eastern Scotland have thrown important light on the emergence of one such kingdom, that of the Picts. Enclosures, sculptured ‘symbol stones’ and long-distance luxury imports identify Rhynie as a place of growing importance during the fifth to sixth centuries AD. Parallels can be drawn with similar processes in southern Scandinavia, where leadership combined roles of ritual and political authority. The excavations at Rhynie and the synthesis of dated Pictish enclosures illustrate the contribution that archaeology can make to the understanding of state formation processes in early medieval Europe.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Scotland, Rhynie, early medieval, kingdoms, hillforts, Picts, sacral kingship
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Campbell, Dr Ewan and Gondek, Dr Meggen
Authors: Noble, G., Campbell, E., Gondek, M., and Cook, M.
Subjects:C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
Journal Name:Antiquity
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:0003-598X
ISSN (Online):1745-1744
Published Online:22 November 2013

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