Supply of glass to the medieval hilltop settlement of Ultrera (Eastern Pyrenees, France)
Inès Pactat|André Constant|Nadine Schibille
Founded in the fifth century on a granite outcrop overlooking deep valleys of eastern Massif des Albères and Roussillon coast, hilltop settlement Ultrera/Ultrère was strategically located to dominate lowlands. Its position this natural boundary between Iberian Peninsula Central Europe raises interesting questions about its connectivity circulation materials. In early days rural feudalism, emergence castrum led birth “feudal” castle first fortified villages. Ultrera organized into several districts spread over three hectares survived until tenth CE, which is an exceptionally long occupation. The present paper examines glass supply throughout history, combining typological archaeometric approaches study evolution compositions use different raw materials through time. A series 43 well-contextualized objects have been analysed for major, minor trace elements using LA-ICP-MS. glasses seventh centuries comprise mostly vessels especially goblets. base can be affiliated previously established natron-type primary production groups (HIMT, Foy 2.1, 3.2 Levantine 1), half it shows substantial signs recycling. ninth- tenth-century assemblage marks change from previous Two beads made soda-rich plant ash confirm Islamic imports Mesopotamia perhaps western Mediterranean. linen smoother with wood signature only testimony Carolingian influences. Glass tableware becoming increasingly rare some drinking goblets are remnants phase. progressive independence Catalan counties Empire system towards end millennium CE may explain absence typical Frankish glass. Soda thirteenth fourteenth centuries, probably feudal castle, indicates yet another at Middle Ages, when there evidence both regional distance imports.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)|HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)