This book provides an introduction to Roman dress accessories - defined here as what would today be called costume jewellery (non-precious metal jewellery). Items such as bracelets and pins are widely found in the Roman period in copper alloy, bone, glass, jet, shale and other materials. Completely new objects were introduced by the Romans, spread rapidly in each area of the Empire and were adopted by local populations. Different styles of Roman object became popular in each succeeding century, as dress fashions changed. Using new evidence from finds, production areas, distribution patterns and the locations of workshops are examined. The interpretation of dress accessories is introduced, with reference to the depiction of objects in Roman art. Brooches, bracelets, beads, necklaces, rings, earrings, pins and belt sets are explained in detail, and the most popular types are described and illustrated, enabling the reader to identify common objects that might be found on an archaeological site or in a museum.

About the Author
Ellen Swift studied archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London, and her PhD was awarded in 1999. She has participated in excavations in Britain an abroad and is a member of the Roman Finds Group and of 'Instrumentum' an international association for the study of crafts and manufactured products in antiquity. She is currently Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Kent, and she has written a book about the end of the Western Roman Empire.


Book Information
ISBN 9780747805670
Author Ellen Swift
Format Paperback
Page Count 56
Imprint Shire Publications
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC