Irish Late Iron Age Equestrian Equipment in its Insular and Continental Context is the first practical archaeological study of Irish Iron Age lorinery. The volume examines the bits and bosals (Y-pieces) holistically, using practical stable-yard knowledge merged with archaeological techniques such as morphometrics, use-wear, GIS, functional comparison to European and British equipment and distribution analysis to place it within its time and place. Irish Iron Age artefacts have always been beset by issues of chronology, but by using these various analytical methods, a more precise timeframe for the objects is indicated. A complex relationship with Roman Britain and the Empire also becomes visible, with aspects of identity and belief being expressed through the sophisticated equestrian equipment. The analysis of the bridle components reveal that the Ireland of the first centuries AD shares some characteristics with other boundary zones of the Roman Empire, such as Scotland and northern Germany, but also has its own unique interpretation of introduced technology. The Ireland of the Late Iron Age, then, is a society in flux, picking and choosing which traditions it maintains. The horse and associated equipment were very much at the heart of the social changes set in motion by contact with the Roman Empire, and as such, the examination of the snaffles and bosals allows us to bring the people of the Late Iron Age in Ireland into focus.

About the Author
Rena Maguire studied Archaeology at Queen's University Belfast, graduating with a BA Hons. in 2013. She was awarded an MSc in 2014 and a PhD in 2018. She has worked for the Historic Environment Division of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and currently is a visiting Research Fellow at QUB. She has published extensively on ancient equitation and its associated technology and is an enthusiastic horsewoman.

Reviews

'One of the major contributions of this volume is the exquisitely illustrated catalogue, taking up almost half the book. This book is a valuable contribution to the study of the Irish Late Iron Age and will be essential reading.' - Duncan Berryman (2022): Ulster Archaeological Society newsletter, Spring 2022

'Like all good research projects, this one has raised many more questions about the arrival of equestrianism in Ireland, the people who brought it and its impact on society, the connections between this island and the rest of the Iron Age world, and even the horses themselves. In all, this is an important step forward in the study of Iron Age Ireland' - Sharon Green (2022): Archaeology Ireland, Summer 2022

'While one may hesitate to follow Maguire's broader interpretations, she has shown what can be achieved by a practice-based assessment and questioning of equestrian finds: the detailed knowledge of how to work a horse, how this translated into metal, and what implications this could have.' - Fraser Hunter (2022): Ulster Journal of Archaeology Vol. 77

'This is a sublime piece of work, comprehensive and original in its approach, and demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the material and its functioning.' - Greta Anthoons (2023): Ollodagos

Book Information
ISBN 9781789699913
Author Rena Maguire
Format Paperback
Page Count 294
Imprint Archaeopress
Publisher Archaeopress
Weight(grams) 1051g