Burnswark Hill: the opening shot of the Antonine reconquest of Scotland?. (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reid, John H.; Nicholson, Andrew
• Is Part Of: Journal of Roman archaeology. Volume 32(2019)
• Page Start: 459
• Page End: 477
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: Europe -- Antiquities, Roman -- Periodicals; Excavations (Archaeology) -- Europe -- Periodicals; Rome -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; Fouilles (Archéologie) -- Europe -- Périodiques; Europe -- Antiquités romaines -- Périodiques; Rome -- Antiquités -- Périodiques; Archeologie; Romeinse oudheid; Antiquities; Classical antiquities; Excavations (Archaeology); Europe; Rome (Empire); Periodicals; Electronic journals; 930
• DOI: 10.1017/S1047759419000230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1047-7594

Abstract

Abstract : This paper represents an interim report of the Burnswark Project that has utilised the techniques of battlefield archaeology to locate and accurately identify missiles across a substantial field of conflict in SW Scotland. The distribution, characteristics, dating and proposed historical context of these missiles are argued to support their use in a dramatic episode of 'exemplary force' by the Roman army. The magnitude of the event might be seen to be compatible with an emperor establishing his legitimacy as a military leader.