Gwent in Prehistory and Early History: Volume 1 (Gwent County History)

This volume deals with an exceptionally long period in Gwent’s history, from prehistory to the appearance of Norman invaders from the east in the second half of the eleventh century. To the remoteness of this period may be added its comparative neglect by archaeologists over the past century. Confident explanations are not easily made before the Iron Age, and written records become available only at the end of the first century AD. But by bringing to bear sophisticated skills in archaeological and environmental interpretation of the landscape, by placing Gwent in the broader context of south Wales, south-west England and what came to be known as the Welsh March, and by innovative analyses of some striking site remains and unearthed hoards, the present generation of scholars has enabled a fascinating tale to be told. It is a partial story, sometimes disjointed, yet stressing continuity of human activity in early Gwent, and, above all, the need for more research and investigation. This volume reviews what is presently known and also sets an agenda for future study.