Deconstructing the Durotriges: A definition of Iron Age communities within the Dorset environs

by Martin Papworth

Overview

Ptolemy's second century geography is the main source traditionally used when dividing pre-Roman Britain into tribal areas. In it he describes the Durotriges as inhabiting Dorset and parts of Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. This large-scale study surveys the 'Durotrigan zone' in Dorset looking at settlement patterns and types, ceramics and coin distribution to ask whether the Durotriges can be considered as a homogenous entity as presented by Ptolemy. In fact settlement forms showed considerable diversity, which can also be seen in differing burial customs and belief systems, and Papworth ultimately sees the area as being inhabited by co-existing, but distinct communities. Coin evidence, however shows that particularly towards the end of the pre-Roman period the communities were linked together, probably in a form of trading block.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781407302218
Publisher:	British Archaeological Reports Oxford Ltd
Publication date:	12/31/2008
Series:	BAR British , #462
Pages:	456
Product dimensions:	8.27(w) x 11.69(h) x 1.24(d)

About the Author

Martin Papworth