Books

Books : reviews

Jessica Mills, Rog Palmer.
Populating Clay Landscapes.
Tempus. 2007

Clay soils make up significant areas of Britain and Europe, though until recently little archaeological investigation has been undertaken on such soils. Characterised as being unsuitable for prehistoric settlement, these landscapes have been portrayed as being devoid of prehistoric archaeology. However, recent investigations in Britain and Europe have shown that this view is completely unfounded and that clay soils were often as densely populated as traditionally favoured lighter soils.

This volume brings together, for the first time, some of these investigations into clay landscapes. The book has three main sections dealing with methods, survey and results. Emphasis is given to the role that aerial photographs have played in revealing past settlement on clay landscapes. Also considered are the importance of excavation and the integration of archaeological techniques in adding to our knowledge of clay landscapes.