Details
The environmental archaeological evidence from the site of Flixborough (in particular the animal bone assemblage) provides a series of unique insights into Anglo-Saxon life in England during the 8th to 10th centuries. The research reveals detailed evidence for the local and regional environment, many aspects of the local and regional agricultural economy, changing resource exploitation strategies and the extent of possible trade and exchange networks. Perhaps the most important conclusions have been gleaned from the synthesis of these various lines of evidence, viewed in a broader archaeological context. Thus, bioarchaeological data from Flixborough have documented for the first time, in a detailed and systematic way, the significant shift in social and economic aspects of wider Anglo-Saxon life during the 9th century AD., and comment on the possible role of external factors such as the arrival of Scandinavians in the life and development of the settlement. The bioarchaeological evidence from Flixborough is also used to explore the tentative evidence revealed by more traditional archaeological materials for the presence during the 9th century of elements of monastic life. The vast majority of bioarchaeological evidence from Flixborough provides both direct and indirect evidence of the wealth and social standing of some of the inhabitants as well as a plethora of unique information about agricultural and provisioning practices associated with a major Anglo-Saxon estate centre. The environmental archaeological record from Flixborough is without doubt one of the most important datasets of the early medieval period, and one which will provide a key benchmark for future research into many aspects of early medieval archaeology.
Reviews & Quotes
"The volumes under review here present unparalleled window on the workings and character of an early medieval estate centre with a degree of resolution only normally encountered in urban archaeology. As principal author and coordinator of the Flixborough project, Chris Loveluck has achieved a substantial task in bringing high-definition archaeology and a new type-site to the field of early medieval studies following two previous detailed interim reports. The Flixborough publication will serve as a benchmark for years to come.'"
Andrew Reynolds
Medieval Archaeology
(Vol. 54, November 2010)
"This monograph demonstrates how large faunal assemblages can be utilised to discuss not only changes in diet and animal exploitation but also provide information pertaining to questions of broader archaeological interest. This
is the most important rural assemblage of this period to be analysed in Britain since Pamela Crabtree’s (1990) study of the earlier Saxon West Stow material. It incorporates new methods of analysis and quantification and will be used as a
major comparative reference for many years.'"
Mark Maltby, Bournemouth University
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology
(2009)
