Fractured Britannia

How did objects of dress and coinage shape power and identity in late Roman Britain?

Fractured Britannia provides an in-depth examination of the distribution of coinage and elite items of Roman dress in later and sub-Roman Britain, offering new perspectives on a period of profound social and political change. While previous research has sought to distinguish groups serving the Roman state, identifying them in the archaeological record remains challenging.

The military and the civil administration relied on hierarchical structures and used similar objects to indicate rank and status. At the same time, local elites, responsible for much of the practical administration of Britain, began to adopt military styles of dress. These changes led to a clear evolution in dress accessories over the fourth century.

Five extensive datasets on crossbow brooches, belt fittings, spurs, penannular brooches, and coins are examined systematically in combination. Previously studied in isolation, these objects reveal insights into social identity, regional variation, and the persistence or abandonment of Roman material culture. The evidence shows that while some regions continued relatively unchanged into the fifth century, others abandoned recognisably Roman forms as early as AD 375. By assessing existing methodologies, revising typologies, and mapping artefact distributions, this book highlights key patterns across sites and regions and makes large datasets publicly available.

Ultimately, the study provides a chronological and geographic framework for understanding how Roman Britain transitioned into smaller post-Roman polities. It analyses the differential use of material culture across site types and compares patterns with the continent, shedding light on the transformation of Britain’s society and identity in the sub-Roman and early medieval world.