Late Roman precious metal deposits, c. AD 200-700: \nchanges over time and space

Abstract

This thesis draws together more than 1,800 deposits of late Roman precious metals, \nnamely coins, plate, jewellery, and bullion items, over a 500 year period (c. AD200- \n700). Deposits from both West and East of the Empire, and beyond the frontiers, are \nincluded. Comparisons between these finds are made by focusing on three main aspects: \nspatial distribution, size, and date range of items within finds, by dividing the material \ninto 22 deposition phases. A methodology has been developed allowing the size of each \nfind to be compared, regardless of its internal structure and precious metal content (i.e. \ngold or silver), by assigning each find an Equivalent Gold Weight. Hence it is made \npossible to compare, for instance, a deposit of base metal silver coinage with a deposit of \nchurch silver plate, at least in terms of size, which previously has not been attempted. \nPast approaches to the interpretation and presentation of these finds are examined, with \nthe aim of this research being to move away from traditional foci of study, namely the \ninternal structure of hoards, epigraphy and iconography, and towards producing a \nbackground picture on a far broader level, chronologically and spatially. The deposition \nphases are surveyed in isolation, and then compared: changes in the focus of deposition \nactivity are thus highlighted. The value of the approach adopted by this study with regard \nto our understanding of late Roman precious metal deposition is tested by comparing the \nrecent late Roman find from Patching, West Sussex, with the database. Previous \ntheoretical interpretations of hoard deposition are examined in the light of this body of \nevidence, for example, the question of the relationship between hoarding and social \nunrest, and the evidence for social traditions of deposition and ritual use of material in \ndifferent areas within the study region. Finally, other areas of potentially productive \nfuture research, in addition to the themes explored in the previous chapters, are \ndiscussed.

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