Ellen Swift
Biographic Data
| ID | 5635374 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Ellen Swift |
| GIVEN NAMES | Ellen |
| FAMILY NAME | Swift |
| SIGNATURE | SWIFT E |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Kent |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-3545-0821 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 27 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 23 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 24 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 3 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1995 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2024 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Rethinking the date and interpretation of the Thetford treasure: A 5th-c. hoard of gold jewelry and silver spoons
This re-evaluation of the Thetford hoard proposes a new date for its burial in the 5th c. CE (ca. 420s–40s), significantly later than the established date of the 380s–90s. The redating is based on comparative material from context-dated grave and hoard finds from across the western Roman Empire. At least 17 hoard artifacts are argued to have been made within the 5th c. The Thetford treasure is a key point of reference in dating artifacts, and the…
A Social Archaeology of Roman and Late Antique Egypt: Artefacts of Everyday Life
The first in-depth study of the society and culture of Roman and late antique Egypt that uses everyday artefacts as its principal source of evidence, this book transforms our understanding of many aspects of its society and culture. It represents a fundamental reference work for scholars, with much new and essential information on a wide range of artefacts, many of which are found not only in Egypt, but also in the wider Roman and late antique wo…
Social Archaeology of Roman and Late Antique Egypt: Artefacts of Everyday Life
Shoes and Sandals
This chapter examines the evidence for footwear from the Petrie Museum, in combination with comparative examples from other UK museum collections, to determine whether shoes had distinct cultural and social roles within Roman and late antique Egypt. First, the nature of the data set is discussed including methodological issues relating to the study of material from old collections. Topics then covered include footwear sizes, shoe decoration, depo…
Creation of Functional Replica Roman and Late Antique Musical Instruments through 3D Scanning and Printing Technology, and their use in research and museum education
Replica artefacts are a well-established feature of Roman archaeology, particularly as used in experimental archaeology, by re-enactors, and in museum education. 3D scanning offers a new methodology for the accurate production of such artefacts, which can then be used both in scholarly research and in public engagement activities. This article describes methodologies for 3D scanning and 3D printing, together with appropriate craft techniques, in …
Re-evaluating the Quoit Brooch Style: Economic and Cultural Transformations in the 5th Century ad , with an Updated Catalogue of Known Quoit Brooch Style Artefacts
Quoit Brooch Style material, produced from the early 5th century onwards, has previously been considered mostly from a stylistic point of view, leaving much scope for further investigation. In addition, the known corpus of material has been much expanded through newly excavated and metal-detected finds. In this article, I bring together the known extant material for the first time, and document important evidence relating to contextual dating, ge…
Roman Artefacts and Society: Design, Behaviour, and Experience
In this book, Ellen Swift uses design theory, previously neglected in Roman archaeology, to investigate Roman artifacts in a new way, making a significant contribution to both Roman social history and our understanding of the relationships that exist between artefacts and people. Based on extensive data collection and the close study of artefacts from museum collections and archives, the book examines the relationship between artefacts, everyday …
The Development of Artefact Studies
This chapter comprises a historiography of Roman artefact study in Britain from the antiquarian period to the present day. It documents the evolution \nof finds catalogues within excavation reports, changing approaches to interpretation, and how and to what extent finds research has been \nincorporated into synthetic studies of Roman Britain. It investigates possible influential factors in the development of artefact research that have \ninfluenc…
The Development of Artefact Studies
This chapter comprises a historiography of Roman artefact study in Britain from the antiquarian period to the present day. It documents the evolution of finds catalogues within excavation reports, changing approaches to interpretation, and how and to what extent finds research has been incorporated into synthetic studies of Roman Britain. It investigates possible influential factors in the development of artefact research that have influenced its…
Design, function and use-wear in spoons: Reconstructing everyday Roman social practice
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
Amber
Amber is the fossilized resin of trees, and is found on beaches where it is washed up by the tide. It was much prized in antiquity, and traded over long distances, the principal source being the Baltic coast. Its origins were much debated, and a variety of origin myths exist, though Aristotle knew it was “hardened resin.” In Ovid's re‐telling, amber crystallized from the tears of the mother and sister of Phaeton, son of Helios, when they were tur…
Identifying Migrant Communities: A Contextual Analysis of Grave Assemblages from Continental Late Roman Cemeteries
Focusing on late Roman bracelets, and also including other relevant material culture types, this paper brings together an examination of spatial distribution, distribution by site-type, and selected specific burial contexts to investigate provincial Roman material of non-local origin. Using this methodology, it is suggested that migrant communities can be identified at Krefeld-Gellep in the Rhineland — thus demonstrating that this type of multi-l…
The role of late antique art in early Christian worship: A reconsideration of the iconography of the ‘starry sky’ in the ‘Mausoleum’ of Galla Placidia
Attingendo alla nozione di Jaś Elsner della ‘visione mistica’ e le contestuali fonti scritte che descrivono la decorazione degli interni della chiesa e l'importanza simbolica della luce e delle stele nell'esegesi paleocristiana, questo articolo riesamina le volte mosaicate con cieli stellati, principalmente quelle all'interno del cosiddetto ‘Mausoleo’ di Galla Placidia a Ravenna. Esso enfatizza il ruolo attivo dello schema decorativo nella tarda …
Material Spatiality in Late Antiquity: Sources, Approaches and Field Methods
This introduction to the volume discusses sources for the reconstruction of material spatiality, problems with the evidence, potential approaches to interpretation, and methodologies of field archaeology in relation to the recovery of the high quality evidence necessary for spatial approaches to the material
Decorated Vessels: The Function of Decoration in Late Antiquity
This paper re-integrates decoration with the function of the object and its social context in Late Antiquity. It examines the way that decoration prescribes the function of objects, for example, through the representation upon an object of the activity for which the object is intended to be used. It is suggested that in some instances decoration may also be matched to the interior decor of a room, i.e., to the context within which an object was u…
Preliminary material
Objects in Context, Objects in Use: Material Spatiality in Late Antiquity
This collection of papers, arising from the conference series Late Antique Archaeology, examines material spatiality in late antiquity. Synthetic papers drawing on archaeological, art-historical and textual sources, are complemented by case-studies of sites, an introductory essay, and several bibliographic essays.
Objects in Context, Objects in Use: Material Spatiality in Late Antiquity
Objects in context, objects in use: Material spatiality in late Antiquity
"This book promotes, the study of material spatiality in Late Antiquity: not just the study of buildings. but of the people, dress and objects used within them, drawing on all available source material. It seeks to explore the material world as it was lived in late antiquity, in an interpretative inquiry, rather than simply describing the evidence that has survived until today. The volume presents a series of comprehensive bibliographic essays wh…
Constructing Roman Identities in Late Antiquity? Material Culture on the Western Frontier
Following recent theoretical redefinitions of concepts such as ethnic identity, this paper explores the possibility of using archaeological evidence to investigate Roman identities in the 4th to 5th c. western frontier provinces. The difficulties of the evidence and the complexities of studying identity through material culture are discussed. Possible approaches to the archaeological material are illustrated through a case study of the Rhine-Danu…
Preface and Editors’ Preface
Transformation in Meaning: Amber and Glass Beads Across the Roman Frontier
Late-Roman bead necklaces and bracelets
Based on a close study of a substantial number of grave contexts, this article makes a significant contribution to the study of Roman jewellery. It highlights the importance of testing assumptions drawn from literary evidence through the examination of archaeological material. It provides significant evidence for the accurate reconstruction of Roman necklaces, and the spread and customisation of Roman cultural trends in the Western Empire. Finall…
Preface and Editors’ Preface
The Snettisham Roman Jeweller's Hoard
Roman Artefacts and Society: Design, Behaviour, and Experience
In this book, Ellen Swift uses design theory, previously neglected in Roman archaeology, to investigate Roman artifacts in a new way, making a significant contribution to both Roman social history and our understanding of the relationships that exist between artefacts and people. Based on extensive data collection and the close study of artefacts from museum collections and archives, the book examines the relationship between artefacts, everyday …
Re-evaluating the Quoit Brooch Style: Economic and Cultural Transformations in the 5th Century ad , with an Updated Catalogue of Known Quoit Brooch Style Artefacts
Quoit Brooch Style material, produced from the early 5th century onwards, has previously been considered mostly from a stylistic point of view, leaving much scope for further investigation. In addition, the known corpus of material has been much expanded through newly excavated and metal-detected finds. In this article, I bring together the known extant material for the first time, and document important evidence relating to contextual dating, ge…
Design, function and use-wear in spoons: Reconstructing everyday Roman social practice
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
Late-Roman bead necklaces and bracelets
Based on a close study of a substantial number of grave contexts, this article makes a significant contribution to the study of Roman jewellery. It highlights the importance of testing assumptions drawn from literary evidence through the examination of archaeological material. It provides significant evidence for the accurate reconstruction of Roman necklaces, and the spread and customisation of Roman cultural trends in the Western Empire. Finall…
The Snettisham Roman Jeweller's Hoard
Creation of Functional Replica Roman and Late Antique Musical Instruments through 3D Scanning and Printing Technology, and their use in research and museum education
Replica artefacts are a well-established feature of Roman archaeology, particularly as used in experimental archaeology, by re-enactors, and in museum education. 3D scanning offers a new methodology for the accurate production of such artefacts, which can then be used both in scholarly research and in public engagement activities. This article describes methodologies for 3D scanning and 3D printing, together with appropriate craft techniques, in …
Martin Henig. The art of Roman Britain. 224 pages, 16 colour plates, 109 illustrations. 1995. London: B. T. Batsford; 0-7134-5430-X hardback £55
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
Life in Londinium: Review of Roman Finds Group meeting, 30th September 1996
The Snettisham Roman Jeweller's Hoard
Preface and Editors’ Preface
Preface and Editors’ Preface
Transformation in Meaning: Amber and Glass Beads Across the Roman Frontier
Late-Roman bead necklaces and bracelets
Based on a close study of a substantial number of grave contexts, this article makes a significant contribution to the study of Roman jewellery. It highlights the importance of testing assumptions drawn from literary evidence through the examination of archaeological material. It provides significant evidence for the accurate reconstruction of Roman necklaces, and the spread and customisation of Roman cultural trends in the Western Empire. Finall…
Constructing Roman Identities in Late Antiquity? Material Culture on the Western Frontier
Following recent theoretical redefinitions of concepts such as ethnic identity, this paper explores the possibility of using archaeological evidence to investigate Roman identities in the 4th to 5th c. western frontier provinces. The difficulties of the evidence and the complexities of studying identity through material culture are discussed. Possible approaches to the archaeological material are illustrated through a case study of the Rhine-Danu…
Objects in Context, Objects in Use: Material Spatiality in Late Antiquity
This collection of papers, arising from the conference series Late Antique Archaeology, examines material spatiality in late antiquity. Synthetic papers drawing on archaeological, art-historical and textual sources, are complemented by case-studies of sites, an introductory essay, and several bibliographic essays.
Objects in Context, Objects in Use: Material Spatiality in Late Antiquity
Objects in context, objects in use: Material spatiality in late Antiquity
"This book promotes, the study of material spatiality in Late Antiquity: not just the study of buildings. but of the people, dress and objects used within them, drawing on all available source material. It seeks to explore the material world as it was lived in late antiquity, in an interpretative inquiry, rather than simply describing the evidence that has survived until today. The volume presents a series of comprehensive bibliographic essays wh…
Material Spatiality in Late Antiquity: Sources, Approaches and Field Methods
This introduction to the volume discusses sources for the reconstruction of material spatiality, problems with the evidence, potential approaches to interpretation, and methodologies of field archaeology in relation to the recovery of the high quality evidence necessary for spatial approaches to the material
Decorated Vessels: The Function of Decoration in Late Antiquity
This paper re-integrates decoration with the function of the object and its social context in Late Antiquity. It examines the way that decoration prescribes the function of objects, for example, through the representation upon an object of the activity for which the object is intended to be used. It is suggested that in some instances decoration may also be matched to the interior decor of a room, i.e., to the context within which an object was u…
Preliminary material
Identifying Migrant Communities: A Contextual Analysis of Grave Assemblages from Continental Late Roman Cemeteries
Focusing on late Roman bracelets, and also including other relevant material culture types, this paper brings together an examination of spatial distribution, distribution by site-type, and selected specific burial contexts to investigate provincial Roman material of non-local origin. Using this methodology, it is suggested that migrant communities can be identified at Krefeld-Gellep in the Rhineland — thus demonstrating that this type of multi-l…
The role of late antique art in early Christian worship: A reconsideration of the iconography of the ‘starry sky’ in the ‘Mausoleum’ of Galla Placidia
Attingendo alla nozione di Jaś Elsner della ‘visione mistica’ e le contestuali fonti scritte che descrivono la decorazione degli interni della chiesa e l'importanza simbolica della luce e delle stele nell'esegesi paleocristiana, questo articolo riesamina le volte mosaicate con cieli stellati, principalmente quelle all'interno del cosiddetto ‘Mausoleo’ di Galla Placidia a Ravenna. Esso enfatizza il ruolo attivo dello schema decorativo nella tarda …
Amber
Amber is the fossilized resin of trees, and is found on beaches where it is washed up by the tide. It was much prized in antiquity, and traded over long distances, the principal source being the Baltic coast. Its origins were much debated, and a variety of origin myths exist, though Aristotle knew it was “hardened resin.” In Ovid's re‐telling, amber crystallized from the tears of the mother and sister of Phaeton, son of Helios, when they were tur…
The Development of Artefact Studies
This chapter comprises a historiography of Roman artefact study in Britain from the antiquarian period to the present day. It documents the evolution \nof finds catalogues within excavation reports, changing approaches to interpretation, and how and to what extent finds research has been \nincorporated into synthetic studies of Roman Britain. It investigates possible influential factors in the development of artefact research that have \ninfluenc…
The Development of Artefact Studies
This chapter comprises a historiography of Roman artefact study in Britain from the antiquarian period to the present day. It documents the evolution of finds catalogues within excavation reports, changing approaches to interpretation, and how and to what extent finds research has been incorporated into synthetic studies of Roman Britain. It investigates possible influential factors in the development of artefact research that have influenced its…
Design, function and use-wear in spoons: Reconstructing everyday Roman social practice
An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content
Roman Artefacts and Society: Design, Behaviour, and Experience
In this book, Ellen Swift uses design theory, previously neglected in Roman archaeology, to investigate Roman artifacts in a new way, making a significant contribution to both Roman social history and our understanding of the relationships that exist between artefacts and people. Based on extensive data collection and the close study of artefacts from museum collections and archives, the book examines the relationship between artefacts, everyday …
Re-evaluating the Quoit Brooch Style: Economic and Cultural Transformations in the 5th Century ad , with an Updated Catalogue of Known Quoit Brooch Style Artefacts
Quoit Brooch Style material, produced from the early 5th century onwards, has previously been considered mostly from a stylistic point of view, leaving much scope for further investigation. In addition, the known corpus of material has been much expanded through newly excavated and metal-detected finds. In this article, I bring together the known extant material for the first time, and document important evidence relating to contextual dating, ge…
A Social Archaeology of Roman and Late Antique Egypt: Artefacts of Everyday Life
The first in-depth study of the society and culture of Roman and late antique Egypt that uses everyday artefacts as its principal source of evidence, this book transforms our understanding of many aspects of its society and culture. It represents a fundamental reference work for scholars, with much new and essential information on a wide range of artefacts, many of which are found not only in Egypt, but also in the wider Roman and late antique wo…
Social Archaeology of Roman and Late Antique Egypt: Artefacts of Everyday Life
Shoes and Sandals
This chapter examines the evidence for footwear from the Petrie Museum, in combination with comparative examples from other UK museum collections, to determine whether shoes had distinct cultural and social roles within Roman and late antique Egypt. First, the nature of the data set is discussed including methodological issues relating to the study of material from old collections. Topics then covered include footwear sizes, shoe decoration, depo…
History (22 works) · Archaeology (15 works) · Art (15 works) · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History (14 works) · Classical Antiquity Studies (13 works) · Computer Science (10 works) · Ancient history (7 works) · History (7 works) · Aesthetics (6 works) · Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies (6 works)