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Tim Champion

Roman Nails

The technologies of smelting and working iron were developed in Europe, Asia and Africa. They had a major impact in many areas of life and work, including better tools for agriculture and industry, and more effective arms and armour. The production of nails also had an impact on activities such as construction and ship-building. Supplies of high-quality iron were particularly important for the Roman army, not only for weapons, but also for the construction of ships and fortresses. Continue reading →

Vix Crater

The Vix crater (used for serving wine mixed with water) is the largest metal vessel surviving from the classical world. It was made about 540 BC, probably at Sparta in southern Greece, and was found in 1952 in the grave of an aristocratic woman in Burgundy in eastern France. It emphasises the social importance of alcoholic drink in many different societies. Continue reading →