Archaeology of the undiscovered first millennium A.D
- REMADE will be the first UK-wide chemical analysis programme for Roman and Medieval copper alloy artefacts.
- From the beginning of Roman influence on the indigenous British Iron Age, through the province of Britannia and its relations with the Picts to the north, to the Norman invasion, a wealth of metal objects survive from whole regions that have received no chemical attention. This is a foundational period for the modern British state; however, we know remarkably little about metal’s role in this complex social, economic, and political story.
New understanding of archaeological metals
- Metal is at the heart of archaeology: it permeated ancient societies, drew together far-flung regions, was central to economies, and opened unique avenues for self-expression.
- REMADE will use chemical models that move beyond traditional provenance approaches, in order to identify patterns of recycling, mixing, alloying, choice, trade and identity.
- We will deliver several thousand high quality chemical analyses using a dedicated MP-AES laboratory (Microwave-plasma atomic emission spectrometry).
New links across a complex and disjointed sector
- The scale and opportunity of this work demands that we also tackle entrenched challenges within the UK heritage sector, which currently prevent collaboration.
- REMADE will create platforms for training and public engagement, while developing better protocols for collaboration.
- We will work across modern heritage, particularly focussing on units, small museums, trusts, and private collectors. All of which have been poorly served by laboratory science.
Find out more about our partners across the heritage sector.