The Druid Network

This course was gifted to TDN specifically for the use of TDN Members. It is however useful to promote the course here, because without knowing it is available it is very hard to find…

Unpacking your Landscape. is a course in archeological exploration and understanding which came about from a series of blog posts in the Members’ Area. These have been curated and updated over time and now stand as a significant piece of work on the subject. The aims of the course and the basic content headings are given below, while the full contents are held in the Members’ Area. While TDN is a fully public resource on information regarding Druidry, this work is outside and additional to that mission.

Aims of this Course

1. To provide TDN members with the opportunity to study aspects of peoples past through material remains.

2. Enable them to develop interest in and enthusiasm for the study of the past and an appreciation of archaeological heritage and its conservation.

3. To acquire a sound general knowledge through understanding of the nature of archaeological evidence; the methods of which it is obtained and its limitations.

4. To develop an insight into and appreciation of the living conditions and behaviour of people in the past, their relationship and interaction with the environment and the cultural and technological changes experienced by human societies.

5. To acquire knowledge and understanding of the main skills and techniques of the archaeologist and how these are applied and to encourage members to put these skills into practice.

6. And finally enable members to develop a sound basis for further study and the pursuit of personal interest.

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Part1: Archaeological Skills and Techniques with case studies from across the globe.

By the end of this part of the course you can expect to understand the principles involved in the detection of archaeological sites; in the methods of field work and excavation; their recording, publication and dating. You will be familiar with the following:

Detection of sites

1. OS maps: grid references, recognition of features, terminology and conventions, relationship of sites to topography, lines of communication, relative dating, chronology, place names
2. Aerial photography; principles, interpretation and use
3. Observation of the landscape
4. Detection of sites in the field; field walking, observation, interpretation and recording
5. Geophysical surveys; basic principles and application
6. Documentary evidence of all types

Excavation

1. Excavation methods and techniques
2. Identification and interpretation of sites and finds; materials and artefacts will be from all periods including buildings and other structures. Artefacts will include those made of; flint, stone, pottery, bone, glass, metals and organic materials
3. Recording of sites and finds; drawings, plans, sections, photographs, site note books, reports, processing finds
4. Conditions of preservation and conservation of finds on sites
5. Knowledge of existing legislation governing or affecting the way archaeological heritage is protected
6. Publication of results with reference to the role of the specialist; advanced fields

Dating

1. Relative dating; topology, assemblages and stratigraphy
2. The application of scientific methods of dating
3. Historical and documentary sources
4. The use of inscriptions on coins, pottery and other datable archaeological materials

Part 2: Archaeology of the United Kingdom and Europe primarily – but with discussion of sites and cultures in other countries worldwide.

By the end of this part of the course you can expect to have a detailed understanding and knowledge of the periods below and be familiar with the main types of site and material remains appropriate to each.

Ice ages and immediate post-glacial period – worldwide

1. Effects of the environment on human development: vegetation, climatic changes and animal habitat
2. Evidence of diet
3. Main traditions of tool making
4. Occupational sites: caves, rock shelters and open sites

Later prehistory to Iron age

1. Introduction and evolution of agriculture; evidence of cereal growing, domestic animals and land utilisation
2. Ritual and burial sites; barrows, tombs, cursus, causewayed enclosures, henges, megalithic monuments, grave goods and votive offerings
3. Stone tool technology; mining, methods of extraction, evolution and manufacture
4. Metal technology; evidence of copper alloys and iron, tools, ornaments, axe and weapon typology
5. Pottery types; evolution of manufacture, style and decoration
6. Fortifications; evolution of hill forts, oppida, brochs, duns, rounds and other defence sites
7. Linear monuments
8. Land utilisation: non-agricultural
9. Domestic activities
10. Buildings and settlements
11. Evidence of trade
12. Textiles

Romano Britain and Europe

1. Military sites; the frontiers, legionary fortresses and auxiliary forts, temporary and practice camps
2. The roman road system; siting, construction and use
3. Civilian settlement; towns, villa estates, native farms, buildings and related artefacts
4. Religious temples, cult centres and churches
5. Burial; cemeteries, tombs, barrows and mausolea
6. Industrial centre; mining, pottery and metalwork
7. Inscribed stones and sculpture; building records, milestones, tombstones, altars, freestanding and relief sculptures and statuettes
8. Coins
9. Mosaics and wall paintings
10. Pottery including imported wares
11. Tools and Utensils; domestic, agricultural and craft
12. Textiles

(Suvi – 4 Feb 2024 – updated)