Scandinavian glass vessels of the first Millennium AD: a typological and physical examination

Abstract

The thesis is concerned with the study of Scandinavian glass vessels of the first millennium AD. It examines the significance of these artefacts in early society and considers in detail the archaeological contexts of burial and occupation site. A major part of the study is concerned with methodology and the problem of fragmentary material. A detailed typological analysis is made using new methods of data presentation enabling chronological, geographical and typological information to be presented simultaneously with the aid of computer facilities. The results of this are compared to data derived from the physical examination of selected samples by electron beam micro-probe analysis (major elements) and neutron activation analysis (trace elements). The results indicate that the distribution of glass within Scandinavia is more complex than originally thought. Two areas of origin appear to have existed one of which may lie within Scandinavia itself. The work is presented in two volumes, the first containing the text and the second containing a detailed catalogue of all glass vessels and fragments discovered in Scandinavia together with relevant descriptions, information regarding archaeological context and references.