Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (692 page)

Roughly cylindrical or conical pits dug through the topsoil into the underlying bedrock to depths of up to 3m to provide underground storage space for cereal grain. Experiments show that if the tops are kept sealed they provide very effective storage and allow high germination rates where the grain is to be used as seed. In the British Isles such pits are especially common on sites dating to the 1st millennium
bc
; archaeologically they are important because they were often used as rubbish pits after their primary purpose had been fulfilled.

 
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Greek geographer and historian born about 64 bc whose extensive
Geography
includes descriptions of the Mediterranean world from Spain to Egypt and Asia Minor, together with accounts of barbarian Europe including Gaul and Britain. He died about ad 21.

 
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General descriptive term referring to communities who have a subsistence base grounded in beachcombing and a hunter-based marine diet.

 
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Long blade tool with a retouched notch on one or both sides. Possibly used as a wood-working tool like a modern spokeshave. Characteristic of the
AURIGNACIAN
.

 
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Metal reinforcement (often decorated) which prevented wear and damage to the end of a strap.

 
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On ceramic vessels a strap handle is one made from a strip of clay that is shaped by hand and then attached to the body of the pot at two points before firing.

 
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