Details
Taking as its starting point a comprehensive reappraisal of the magnificent Traprain treasure, this fine collection of papers widens its focus to include detailed discussion of the phenomenon of hacksilber (the deliberate breaking and bending of silver artefacts in such hoards) and what it can tell us about Roman-barbarian interactions, identity formation on both sides of the frontier, and the end of Roman Britain more generally. Papers cover the historical and archaeological context of Traprain Law, review current theories of the end of empire, and explore the uses and role of silver in the Roman empire from coinage to donatives, and its role in diplomacy. They also provide a stimulating overview of current perspectives on hacksilber, and synthesise the latest evidence both from across Britain and Ireland, and from the Germanic and Danish contexts.