William Hanson | University of Glasgow (original) (raw)

Papers by William Hanson

Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

Focusing on the period when Traprain Law was at the forefront of native relations with Rome in th... more Focusing on the period when Traprain Law was at the forefront of native relations with Rome in the first and second centuries , this paper examines the distribution and potentially significant clustering of the artefactual material derived from the extensive excavations in the early part of the 20th century on the western plateau. While domestic activity is attested across the entire area, providing little support for the suggestion that Traprain Law was primarily a ceremonial centre, there is some suggestion of shifting foci of activity and variable function over time. Particular attention is paid to a detailed examination of the samian pottery, which seems to have been accessible to native communities only during the periods of Roman military occupation. The various means by which this material may have been acquired are considered, with particular stress placed on the importance of diplomatic contacts with favoured native groups. The inventory of the samian was subsidised by a grant from The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO-TALENT).

Britannia, 1978

Although there has been considerable scholarly interest in the nature of ancient cities, it has b... more Although there has been considerable scholarly interest in the nature of ancient cities, it has been difficult to identify and explore quantitative patterns in their design and amenities. Here, the authors offer a model for the relationship between the population size and infrastructural area of settlements, before testing it against measures of urban form in the Roman Empire. They advocate a more consistent approach to the investigation of settlements that is capable of not only incorporating sites with divergent physical forms and historical trajectories into the same model, but also able to expose their similarities and differences.

Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

The excavation of the Roman timber watchtower at Westerton was undertaken to obtain dating eviden... more The excavation of the Roman timber watchtower at Westerton was undertaken to obtain dating evidence and a complete plan. The four-post tower was more elongated in plan than anticipated and was provided at the front with steps giving access to the first-floor level, a feature not readily paralleled in excavated towers anywhere in the Roman Empire. The one fragment of probable mortarium recovered from the single enclosing ditch is commensurate with a Flavian date. Disturbance of the post-holes indicated that the tower had been deliberately demolished. The tower is considered in relation to other adjacent examples which make up the Gask frontier. The function of this system is discussed and placed in its broader historical context.

Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

Reappraises the grouping of temporary camps conventionally assigned (by size and form) to the cam... more Reappraises the grouping of temporary camps conventionally assigned (by size and form) to the campaigns of Agricola and Severus respectively. Other historical contexts are suggested for the construction of some; and fresh excavations at Ardoch proved that the 130 acre camp postdated that of 63 acres. Clearly the complexities are not yet fully understood. D G

Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland

Trial trenching at the W end of the Roman fort demonstrated the variable survival of Roman levels... more Trial trenching at the W end of the Roman fort demonstrated the variable survival of Roman levels and confirmed that the fort was occupied twice within the Antonine period.

Scottish Archaeological Internet Reports

Antiquity, 2002

Northern Britain is one of the best known and most extensively resoarched frontier regions in the... more Northern Britain is one of the best known and most extensively resoarched frontier regions in the Roman Empire. The fluctuations of Roman occupation in the late 1st, mid 2nd and early 3rd centuries AD are quite well understood and emphasize the peripheral character of the area, which never completely succumbed to Roman conquest. It also offers the opportunity to study the processes of interaction between Rome and indigenous peoples at the limits of empire. Too often, however, these have been seen as incidental to the main action, as if the local people were only the supporting cast for the foreign stars. If separately considered at all, the indigenous population has tended to he relegated to discussion of the native background, but over the last decade or so research has moved them more strongly into the foreground.

Journal of Roman Archaeology, 2007

ABSTRACT No abstract available.

Glasgow Archaeological Journal, 1979

I he appearance of a fresh Inventory from the Scottish Roval Commission is always a welcome event... more I he appearance of a fresh Inventory from the Scottish Roval Commission is always a welcome event. This volume, covering sites and monuments in the old county of Lanarkshire from the Mesolithic period to Roman times, will be of particular interest to readers of this Journal. The format is traditional and lavish. There are introductory paragraphs on the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, and a longer essay on the Roman occupations, with discussion of the main classes of site to be met with in the county. Then follows a Gazetteer (120 pages) of known monuments, arranged alphabetically for each period.

Bringing Down the Iron Curtain, 2020