EAB3673 - Evaluation and metal detecting 2002 - DYKESIDE, BIRNIE

Excavations in 2002 located the edge of the settlement on the southern side. The site occupied a slightly raised plateau on the edge of the gravel terrace, covering an area of some 150 x 120 m. Further evaluation trenches confirmed the dense occupation of the site in both the Iron Age and Medieval periods. The main thrust of the work was to investigate the area immediately east of the hoards. This revealed two more roundhouses, confirming the hoards lay in the heart of the settlement. It is unclear how much of this occupation is contemporary, although the settlement was obviously long-lived. There was evidence of bronze-working during the Roman Iron Age. Metal detecting finds including a Medieval crucifixion scene and a Romano-British enamelled bronze bird. Director: Fraser Hunter Auspices: NMS Fund: NMS