Science@Silchester

The ultimate aim of this research is to characterise the evolving use of space through time at Insula IX using a variety of science based techniques. A large part of the work involves the analysis of soil chemistry using x-ray diffraction (both laboratory based and portable). We also use micromorphology, phytolith analysis, infra-red microscopy, micro x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.

What is Science@Silchester?

The Science@Silchester project began in 1998 with limited analysis of soil material from a hearth associated with House 1 and of probable 2nd century date. The opportunity for undertaking more extensive survey of soil-material analysis of successive phases of House 1 presented itself in 2002-3 (published as Cook et al., 2005 in the Journal of Archaeological Science). The purpose of the work was to use soil geochemical analyses to interrogate the archaeological evidence particularly with reference to potential metal-working at the site. Notable absences in the area of House 1 were finds of the commoner detritus of Romano-British precious metal and copper alloy working such as droplets, off-cuts, slags, crucible or mould fragments, as have been found previously at Silchester

Starting in 2006 a more direct approach to sampling was used. We began by sampling areas of burning looking for evidence of what the hearth arears may have been used for; were they industrial or domestic? The work focuses on the analysis of floor surfaces and associated deposits to investigate the use and evolution of space in the town. The project will focus on a selection of samples taken from not only potential metal-working contexts (the many hearths discovered at Insulae IX) but also on samples taken from between buildings in garden and yard areas as well as buildings for which we have no evidence for hearth based activities.

The geochemistry of the soils can only provide us with part of the story and micromorphology combined with phytolith study are vital components in the on-going research.

An important part of the Science@Silchester work is the initiation of multidisciplinary research projects. As well as the vital links between Earth Sciences and Archaeology which have been strengthened through work with micropalaeontologists, the team is also involved in projects with the departments of chemistry, food science and physics.Recent examples include:

1. Wilkinson, I. P., Williams M., Young, J.R., Cook, S.R., Fulford, M.G. &Lott G.K. (2008) The application of microfossils in assessing the provenance of chalk used in the manufacture of Roman mosaics at Silchester. J.Arch.Sci 35 2415–2422
2. Marshall L-J., Almond M.J., Cook S.R., Matthews W, Pantos M., Tobin M.J. & Thomas L.A (2008) Mineralised Organic Remains From Cesspits At The Roman Town Of Silchester: Processes And Preservation. Spectrochimca Acta Part A 71 854–861
3. Marshall L-J., Cook S. R., Almond M. J. & Fulford M. G. (In press) Roman diet and trade: evidence from organic residues on pottery sherds recovered at the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester, Hants). Britannia

As part of the Science@Silchester project we also have a commitment to undergraduate and master’s level teaching, each year we provide a selection of suitable dissertation projects and assist with planning and sample collection. We also organise a series of talks for the students at the excavation to showcase the various science based projects.

What is Environmental sampling?

Environmental sampling is essential to provide a whole new range of information about Silchester, much of which cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Soil samples from Silchester can contain many things including plant and insect remains, pollen and fish bones, beads and pottery. They can also tell us about activities across the excavated area. For example, deposits of chopped and split animal bone from the rear of the two southern buildings suggest that one occupation consisted of the extraction of grease and marrow fat; another involved the preparation of stone and ceramic for mosaic floors.

(from left to right:)
Micromorphology slide scan of floor/animal trample containing vivianite and building material
Microscope image of building materials including tile, plaster and daub. Field Of View 2.5mm
Microscope image of bone with vivianite formation Field Of View 1mm

The plant and insect remains can also tell us which plants were growing in the area, the diet of the people who lived at Silchester and also about trade, import and economy.

For more information:

Dr. Sam Cooke Email

Rowena Banerjea (PhD student) Email

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