The gravel terraces of the river Thames have revealed a wealth of archaeological information about the evolution of the landscape of the region, the development of the settlement pattern, and past human occupation. Much of this has come to light in the course of gravel quarrying, which has been so extensive that the Thames Valley now provides one of the richest resources of archaeological data in the country. This volume provides an up to date overview of the archaeological evidence from the valley for the late Iron Age, Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods, broadly speaking the first millennium AD. The area studied in detail comprises the Upper Thames Valley, from the source of the river to the Goring Gap, and the Middle Thames Valley, from the Goring Gap to the start of the tidal zone at Teddington Lock. A summary of evidence for the character of the river and the vegetation and environment of its floodplain is followed by a detailed account of the evolving settlement pattern as currently understood from archaeological evidence. The authors then consider what archaeology can reveal about the late Iron Age, Roman and Anglo-Saxon populations of the valley, and their changing lifestyles, culture, identities and beliefs. This is followed by a review of the evidence for production, trade, transport and communication, and the archaeology of power and politics. The volume concludes with a discussion of the state of knowledge today and its limitations, and emerging themes and problem areas for future research.

About the Author
by Paul Booth, Anne Dodd, Mark Robinson and Alex Smith

Reviews
[It] is very well done. The organisation is conventional and chronological, the writing clear and authoritative, and the illustrations (many in colour) frequent and excellent.' -- British Archaeology British Archaeology Gravel Terraces is a beautiful presented, multidisciplinary synthesis of prehistoric human settlement in the Thames Valley over 700,000 years. With its numerous and exemplary drawings, plans, and maps, this is a model of effective archaeological reporting...This is a book to be consulted, dipped into, and read by researchers from many disciplines. It will remain a definite source for a long time and reflects well on both the generous sponsors and the numerous scientists involved in the work. I wish it had existed when I was an undergraduate.' -- Journal of Anthropological Research Journal of Anthropological Research



Book Information
ISBN 9780954962753
Author Paul Booth
Format Hardback
Page Count 470
Imprint Oxford University School of Archaeology
Publisher Oxford University School of Archaeology