The Reuse of Building Materials in Archaeology Analytical Essay by ProfessorWindsor

Explores a methodology for the analysis of the use and reuse of building materials observed in archaeological contexts and in standing buildings.
# 150634 | 3,825 words | 20 sources | APA | 2012 | GB
Published on Mar 28, 2012 in Architecture (Buildings) , Archaeology (General) , Research Designs (General)


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Description:

This paper reviews recent works focusing on specific areas or time periods in which building materials from archaeological sites are used in standing buildings; however, the author indicates the need for a more general overview of how to identify and analyse building materials and interpret their meaning, irrespective of their location. Next, the author evaluates key methodologies for identifying building materials, for assessing volumes and spatial distribution of use and reuse and for characterizing use and reuse of building materials. The paper includes a short case study about the use and reuse of an Alveolina limestone from the Mixon reefs, Selsey Bill, West Sussex, that illustrates some of the methods and approaches that the paper outlines.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Analysing Building Materials
Methods for Analysing Building Material Types
Analysis of Volumes and Spatial Distribution
Interpretation of the Presence of Building Materials
Reuse of Building Materials
Identifying Reuse
Tracing Use and Reuse
Motivation behind Reuse
Case Study
Study Area and Data
Discussion and interpretation
Summary
Conclusion
Future work

From the Paper:

"The main contribution of the work of Windsor (1993a; 1995) and Eaton (2000) is to help move the focus from pure description of reuse to an attempt to address the issue of why building materials were reused. Windsor (1993a) noted the potential in linking evidence for the reuse of building stone to the motives behind that reuse. In particular, the report stressed that this evidence could be used to support (or refute) documentary evidence where this exists.
"Eaton (2000) attempted to model the labour costs of quarrying stone or reusing stone from existing structures and transporting this reused stone by land or water. Eaton's study focused on the reuse of Roman material in medieval buildings in central Northumberland. Eaton demonstrated that there was a decline in the distances travelled to obtain material for reuse through time. This was considered to be due, in part, to the establishment of settlements at large distances from Roman foundations. Eaton expanded his study to consider the labour costs incurred in quarrying stone and in obtaining it from existing structures. Three different scenarios were considered:
1.Reuse, with building material transported over land
2.Reuse, with building material transported by waterways
3.Quarrying of 'new' stone
"This study focused on contrasting the costs of obtaining building material for construction during the medieval (Norman) period at Lydney while considering Chepstow (located about 21 km away) as a possible source of reusable building material."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Blagg, T. F. C. (1990) Building Stone in Roman Britain. In D. Parsons (Ed.) Stone: Quarrying and Building in England AD 43-1525. Chichester: Phillimore in association with The Royal Archaeological Institute, 33-50.
  • Buckland, P.C and Sadler, J. (1990) Ballast and Building Stone: A Discussion. In D. Parsons (Ed.) Stone: Quarrying and Building in England AD 43-1525. Chichester: Phillimore in association with The Royal Archaeological Institute, 114-125.
  • Cunliffe, B.W. Et al. (1971a) Excavations at Fishbourne 1961-1969 Vol. I: The Site. Society of Antiquaries Research Report, 26. London.
  • Cunliffe, B.W. Et al. (1971b) Excavations at Fishbourne 1961-1969. Vol. II: The Finds. Society of Antiquaries Research Report, 27. London.
  • Curry, D., King, A., King, C. and Stinton, F. (1977) The Bracklesham Beds (Eocene) of Bracklesham and Selsey, Sussex. Proceedings of the Geological Association, 88 (4), 243-254.

Cite this Analytical Essay:

APA Format

The Reuse of Building Materials in Archaeology (2012, March 28) Retrieved March 25, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/the-reuse-of-building-materials-in-archaeology-150634/

MLA Format

"The Reuse of Building Materials in Archaeology" 28 March 2012. Web. 25 March. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/the-reuse-of-building-materials-in-archaeology-150634/>

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