Transformations of Identity and Society in Anglo-Saxon Essex: A Case Study of an Early Medieval North Atlantic Community [Paperback]

Transformations of Identity and Society in Anglo-Saxon Essex: A Case Study of an Early Medieval North Atlantic Community presents the results of a comprehensive archaeological study of early medieval Essex (c.AD 400-1066). This region provides an important case study for examining coastal societies of north-western Europe. Drawing on a wealth of new data, the author demonstrates the profound influence of maritime contacts on changing expressions of cultural affiliation. It is argued that this Continental orientation reflects Essex's longterm engagement with the emergent, dynamic North Sea network. The wide chronological focus and inclusive dataset enables long-term socio-economic continuity and transformation to be revealed. These include major new insights into the construction of group identity in Essex between the 5th and 11th centuries and the identification of several previously unknown sites of exchange. The presentation also includes the first full archaeological study of Essex under 'Viking' rule.This is a comprehensive study of the archaeology of early medieval Essex, giving new insights into the dynamics of coastal societies in contemporary north-western Europe.Alexander D. Mirrington is a specialist in the early medieval archaeology of north-western Europe. He earned his Doctorate in archaeology from the University of Nottingham in 2013 for his research on Anglo-Saxon Essex.Chapter 1: Introduction General introduction Topographical background of the Essex region The research context Group identity Trade, exchange and networks Social complexity Previous literature on Anglo-Saxon Essex / Previous work in the region Sources of evidence Dress accessories Pottery Coinage The quality of the evidence and limits of inference from excavated and unstratified data How this book is structured Major themes and findings Chapter 2: c.AD 400-650 Introduction Dress accessories, c.AD 400-c.650 Dress and identity in the 5th century Dress and identity in t