From Constantinople to Berkshire. Linking Roman copper-alloys across the empire through new chemical analysis at the University of Reading
By Dr. Peter Bray, University of Reading
The REMADE project is a seven year UKRI project hosted by the University of Reading (Roman and Medieval Alloys Defined). It brings together chemists, archaeologists, curators and the public to create a new framework for understanding Roman metallurgy across the UK. Key questions include investigating how copper-alloys were used, valued, and recycled, and how they were moved across the empire. This talk particularly highlights REMADE’s collaboration with Lindsey Bedford, who generously gave us permission to sample several hundred of her finds from Beedon, West Berkshire. This has allowed new insights into the later Roman economy, and how Berkshire was connected to the wider Roman world.
REMADE is headed by Peter Bray, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, University of Reading. After studying and working at the University of Oxford, Peter moved to Reading in 2019. He has supported the Reading – British Museum collaboration, set up new analytical laboratories, and teaches on ancient materials. He is the current Archaeological Science lead for the Department of Archaeology. REMADE is working with over 14 heritage organisations across the country, please find further information at research.reading.ac.uk/remade.
2.00 pm for 2.30 pm at the RISC Centre, London Street, Reading RG1 4PS and from 2:15 on Zoom