Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (116 page)

In archaeological and architectural usage this term relates to the period from about ad 750 through to ad 900, although the term itself stems from the reign of Charles the Great (Charlemagne ) between ad 771 and ad 814 immediately following the period of the
FRANKISH
empire. The Carolingian empire witnessed a cultural renaissance. The enormous wealth gained through decades of successful campaigning was partly used for massive ecclesiastical patronage, especially the building of new churches, the founding of monasteries, and the production of manuscripts. There were also ecclesiastical reforms, the revival of Latin learning, and a return to classical values in the arts.

 
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A tradition of metalworking characteristic of southeast England during the
EWART PARK PHASE
of the British late Bronze Age (800–700 bc). Colin Burgess has argued that during this time metalworking underwent something of an industrial revolution with the widespread introduction of lead bronze and an increase in the repertoire of objects made. This may in part be due to influences and connections with continental Europe. Objects regarded as part of the Carp's Tongue Complex include the eponymous
CARP'S TONGUE SWORD
, bag-shaped chapes, triangular perforated knives, hog's back knives, socketed axes, end-winged axes, gouges, spearheads, and bugle-shaped objects of unknown purpose.

 
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A type of bronze sword current in many parts of western Europe during the 8th century
bc
, probably originating in northwest France. Characterized by a broad slashing blade drawn down to an elongated narrower tip in order to combine the qualities needed for a slashing sword with a weapon for thrusting or stabbing in close combat.

 
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A type of wetland with peaty soils, generally found in low-lying situations, with a distinctive woody vegetation cover consisting of trees and shrubs such as hazel, alder, and willow.

 
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A type of later Neolithic pottery found in Ireland during the 3rd millennium
bc
, named after material recovered from the passage graves at Carrowkeel in Co. Sligo, Ireland. The fabric of Carrowkeel ware is generally rather thick, coarse, and heavily gritted. The forms comprise mainly open round-bottomed bowls and hemispherical cups. Decoration is extensively applied, often all over the outer surface of the vessel and over the rim, and is typically ‘stab and drag’ or impressed. Some of motifs used resemble
PASSAGE GRAVE ART
.

 
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The optimum number of people that an area of land can support. Tensions caused by an imbalance between the size of a population and the carrying capacity of their environment is often cited as a cause for social change in archaeological interpretations. This is because the carrying capacity of an area can be increased through changes in social organization to exploit it or technological innovation to increase output.

 
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