Black Loch of Myrton is an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age wetland settlement, the first of its type to be identified in Scotland. At any one time in its occupation, it consisted of several roundhouses within a defensive perimeter, a palisaded enclosure in other words. What sets it apart from other dryland enclosures is its location on a peaty island in a small loch; this has ensured that the organic remains of the roundhouses, a trackway and the palisades have been preserved, the occupation surface. The settlement is precisely dated by dendrochronology so that we can trace its evolution over three major episodes from the mid-5th century BC until the latter half of the 3rd century BC. An array of innovative and integrated analyses has provided detailed evidence for living conditions and the use of space within the roundhouses. The focus of this lecture will be the occupation of the settlement, its chronology, construction and possible function. The cultural context of the settlement will be discussed and we will explore the perennial question - why live out on the water?
17 авг 2024
