Scotland in Ancient Europe: The Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of Scotland in Their European Context - Hardcover

This volume represents the publication of a highly successful conference held in 2003 to celebrate the contribution to Neolithic and Early Bronze Age studies of one of archaeology's finest synthesisers, Professor Stuart Piggott. The title is a reference to his famous work, 'Ancient Europe from the beginnings of agriculture to Classical Antiquity', itself a publication of his Society of Antiquaries of Scotland's Rhind Lectures of 1962.
The scope of the volume spans the three crucial millennia, from the beginning of the fourth to the mid second B.C., that saw major impacts on the area we now call Scotland. There was transformation of the landscape through the introduction and development of framing, the creation of many striking monuments and the spread of important ideas and technologies, of which metalworking, particularly in Aberdeenshire, was one of the most significant. The contributions cover major advances in research in the period which demonstrate the interplay of the key factors of climate, culture and resources, where the theme of exchange of information, objects and materials played a vital role.
Individual chapters range from chambered tombs to climate change, from dietary choices to faience beads, from timber enclosures to bronze hoards. Together these present a valuable up-to-the-minute overview of Scotland in ancient Europe and a fine tribute to a past master.

Ian Shepherd is the Principal Archaeologist of Aberdeenshire Council, based in Aberdeen. He has a particular interest in the Bronze Age and is a former Editor of the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
Gordon Barclay is Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments at Historic Scotland. He has excavated many prehistoric sites and is the author of numerous articles and books on the Neolithic.