The Archaeology of the Siege of Leith, 1560

Abstract

This paper summarises the findings of two evaluations carried out in public spaces in the Leith area, both of which were specifically designed to establish the survival or otherwise of remains relating to the siege of Leith in 1560. Between 6 and 10 November 2006 a trial trenching evaluation was carried out within Pilrig Park to the south of the French citadel to 'ground truth' geophysical anomalies identified during a previous phase of work (Banks et al. 2006) and also to establish the character of topographic features on the ground. The main aim of the project was to establish the presence or absence of remains related to the siege fort known as Somerset's Mount which from a map drawn in 1560 is known to have been located in the vicinity. The evaluation identified the remains of a WWII air raid shelter, the remains of a building associated with Pilrig House demolished sometime in the early to mid 19th century, and a possible ditch associated with the fort, into which several archaeological features including the foundation slot of a small building or other structure and a probable blacksmith's forge had been cut.

The second part of this report concerns the evaluation at Leith Links, around 1 km to the north east of Pilrig Park and to east of the French citadel. A week long evaluation similar to that carried out at Pilrig took place in April 2007, the aim being to locate further evidence for siege works. Once again, attention focussed on geophysical anomalies resulting from the previous survey. The Links are traditionally associated with the siege through the presence of two mounds, which at least since the 19th century have been identified as the platforms for siege guns directed against the eastern face of the French citadel. An area between the two mounds, which are scheduled ancient monuments, was trial trenched along with an area further to the north. Only the latter produced physical remains which seem to relate to the 1560 map. These took the form of an earthen bank and possibly related ditches which run along the same alignment as a feature shown on the early map, though there is some question as to its function.     

Analysis of the role of fluids in causing fractures in the Spraberry Trend,Midland Basin

The Spraberry Formation in west‐central Texas is a highly fractured formation with both extension and shear fractures. At least two sets of natural fractures exist in two reservoir intervals. We have considered two possible origins for the fracturing: (i) high fluid pressure plus tectonic stress and (ii) tectonic stress at near‐hydrostatic fluid pressure. Reconstruction of geologic, thermal and hydrodynamic histories suggests that high fluid pressures probably did not occur during the basin’s history. To explore the second hypothesis, we developed and applied a calibrated, discrete‐element model of Spraberry strata to investigate whether weak Laramide compressional forces could cause fractures in the absence of high fluid pressures. Simulation results suggest that a mild compressional episode of geologically short duration may indeed have induced conjugate shear fractures.     

Equatorial spread-F: recent results and outstanding problems

Recent results and outstanding problems in the field of equatorial spread-F are reviewed. The discussion is organized about four distinct wavelength regimes: long (≳ 20 km). intermediate (20 km–100 m). transitional (100 m–10 m) and short (≲ 10 m). The intermediate waves are best understood, although the enhanced turbulent power near 1 km wavelength needs explanation, as does the saturation mechanism itself. The role of shear flow and irregularity seeding by ‘geophysical noise’ in the neutral atmosphere form important future research topics at the longest scales. Identification of drift waves in the transitional wavelength range has been a major new step in explaining the full spread-F phenomenon. This drift wave turbulence in the transition regime will be actively studied in the near future, particularly with regard to its role in determining the saturated amplitude of the intermediate waves, as well as in the anomalous diffusion of plasma at high altitudes. Although waves as short as 11 cm have been unambiguously detected and linear theories exist, the origin and amplitude spectra of these short wavelength waves inside topside plumes remain in some doubt and should also be examined in more detail.     

Memoir on some Ancient Arms and Implements Found at Lagore,near Dunshaughlin,County of Meath. With a Few Remarks on the Classification of Northern Antiquities

In 1957, gravel-digging exposed a previously unknown Roman fort and during the following five years this was destroyed. Observation during soil stripping, together with some manual excavation, recovered most of the plan and history which may be summarized as follows:

(a) Slight remains of occupation earlier than the first Roman fort; these were not fully worked out, and are not necessarily all of one period.

(b) A Roman auxiliary fort, founded c. A.D. 80 and destroyed after less than twenty years occupation. Most of the fort buildings were deliberately burnt, apparently after evacuation; it seems a little more likely that this was the work of the Romans themselves rather than of the natives, but there is no definite evidence.

(c) After an interval probably of a few years a ditch was dug along the line of the via principalis, as if intended for a fort of reduced area, as at Castell Collen or Tomen-y-Mur; this was unfinished, and after remaining open for a short time seems to have been deliberately refilled.

(d) A fortlet was built over the north quarter of the auxiliary fort. The meagre evidence available for dating would be consistent with a short occupation in the early or middle 2nd century.

(e) Finally, after a considerable interval, an irregular oval was enclosed by a light palisade. Full details of this occupation were not recovered. It seems to have begun about the end of the Roman period and may have continued into the 5 th century.     

Production of electromagnetic field disturbances due to the interaction between acoustic gravity waves and the ionospheric plasma

The problem of electromagnetic field disturbances produced by the interaction between winds of acoustic gravity waves (AGW) origin and the ionospheric plasma has been considered. It is shown that, when not allowing the electrostatic approach, electromagnetic field disturbances represent shear Alfvén and compressional modes modified by ionospheric Pedersen and Hall conductivities. It is further shown that the quasielectrostatic Alfvén type disturbances give the main contribution to electric field perturbations. Magnetic field perturbations due to Alfvén and compressional modes have the same order of magnitude. Two numerical models for simulation of the problem under consideration have been developed. The first model is intended for the simulation of Alfvén type disturbance production and transmission into the magnetosphere, taking into account the dipole geometry of the geomagnetic field, but a mutual transformation of Alfvén and compressional modes is ignored. The second model is constructed for the simulation of both electromagnetic field disturbance production and their mutual transformation in the ionosphere. The results of numerical simulations with these models show that there is an opportunity for AGW activity monitoring in the lower thermosphere by ground-and satellite-based recordings of magnetic and electric field variations.     

Miscellaneous Notices

This survey has revealed the remarkable extent of the earthwork remains in unploughed grassland inside the hillfort on Beacon Hill. At the summit there are the banks and ditches of an earlier enclosure. The hillfort's defences comprise a ditch set between two banks. At the south-east, a homwork protects the entrance passage, which is continued by straight inturns. A possible second, blocked, entrance has been noted on the west side. Some sixty certain or possible hut sites, of varying form, have analogies of iron age date at Hod Hill.     

水平地震作用下大式带斗栱木结构古建筑的抗倒塌性能分析

基于根据宋代《营造法式》制作的某单层单开间殿堂式木结构振动台模型,建立了考虑柱础滑移隔震、榫卯半刚性连接及斗栱减震性能的空间杆系有限元模型。通过模型的数值计算值与振动台实测数据之间的对比分析,验证了建模方法的正确性。提出了柱脚滑移倒塌的相对位移判定准则及柱架层间倒塌的最大层间位移角判定准则,并采用增量动力分析(IDA)方法对这两种倒塌机制进行研究。结果表明:木结构古建筑在普通地震波作用下不易出现柱脚滑移倒塌;层间倒塌为长周期地震波作用下最易出现的倒塌机制;相对于普通地震波而言,木结构古建筑受长周期地震波作用的影响更大。     

THE ORIGINS OF ROMANO-BRITISH SMALL TOWNS

Summary. Romano-British urban origins have all too frequently been seen in terms of simple monocausal explanations, emphasising the role of purely military factors at the expense of the importance now attached to pre-Roman settlement nucleation. This article seeks to explore the question of small town origins and early development in the light of this wider perspective. It attempts to demonstrate that the period after AD 43 saw two overlapping and competing systems, one focused on pre-existing sites, the other on the new communications network, each with their own requirements and each with varying regional application and importance. Incorporation within the prevailing new order is shown to be more vital to urban development than pre-Roman or fort origins in isolation.     

MULTIPLE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES FOR CHEMICALLY SIMILAR OBSIDIANS FROM THE AREA OF PORTADA COVUNCO,WEST‐CENTRAL NEUQUÉN,ARGENTINA

In west‐central Neuquén Province, Argentina, in the area around Estancia Llamuco, west of Zapala, south of Las Lajas and north‐east of Lago Aluminé, there are multiple primary and secondary sources of obsidian. Primary sources occur within the south‐east extension of the Plio‐Quaternary volcanic chain that runs from Copahue volcano through Pino Hachado. Secondary sources include river‐bed gravels within the valleys of Arroyo Cochicó Grande and Río Kilca as far south as where this river joins with Río Aluminé, and the Quaternary fluvial–glacial sediments cut by the valley of Río Covunco as far east as Portada Covunco. Visually variable obsidians from these two secondary sources include homogeneous black and grey‐translucent types, porphyritic and banded types, and an abundant quantity of oxidized red and black obsidian. However, all these visually distinct obsidians have similar and unique chemistry, with Ba between 220 and 340 ppm, different from any other obsidians previously reported from Neuquén, which all have Ba > 500 ppm, as do obsidians from sources to the north in Mendoza and to the west in Chile. This chemical distinctive obsidian has been exploited and transported over a wide area, beginning prior to 4000 bp , and occurs in local archaeological sites, as well as sites ≥ 300 km to the north‐east in La Pampa Province, ～430 km to the south in Chubut Province, and >75 km to the west across the Andean drainage divide in Chile.     

Post-sunset F-region vertical velocity variations at magnetic equator

The vertical drift velocity of the F-region in the post-sunset period at the magnetic equatorial station Trivandrum has been studied using a HF phase path sounder. The study revealed the presence of quasi-periodic fluctuations with periods in the range 4 30 min superposed on a steady vertical motion as a regular feature of the equatorial F-region in the post-sunset period. The fluctuations in the vertical velocity arc attributed to the east west electric field fluctuations generated by internal atmospheric gravity waves. The vertical velocity fluctuations can provide the necessary seed perturbations for the growth of equatorial spread-F irregularities.     

HINTS ABOUT SITE AMPLIFICATION EFFECTS COMPARING MACROSEISMIC HAZARD ESTIMATE WITH MICROTREMOR MEASUREMENTS: THE AGRI VALLEY (ITALY) EXAMPLE

We approach from a new standpoint the problem of estimating seismic hazard for some towns and villages located in Val d'Agri area (Southern Italy) that in the past have been affected by several seismic events. The estimates are carried out using a method that is based on the analysis of site seismic history extracted from macroseismic catalogues. To study the influence of site effects two different procedures have been performed: in the first, seismic hazard estimates have been deduced from epicentral data only, in the second, intensity data actually observed at the site are also considered. The difference between the two estimates can be correlated with local variations of seismic response due to local geological features which are responsible for possible cases of amplification. In order to validate the presence of such correlation, seismic hazard estimates have been compared to site amplification measurements obtained by using the HVSR (Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio) technique. Our findings reveal a good correlation between seismic hazard enhancements and the presence of site amplification effects. The application of this kind of analysis to the Val d'Agri area has pointed out that the joint estimates of site seismic hazard enhancement and HVSR measurements could be a helpful tool to identify problems related to seismic microzonation.     

Seismic behavior of two Portuguese adobe buildings: Part I - in-plane cyclic testing of a full-scale adobe wall

This article addresses the laboratory testing of a full-scale double-T shaped adobe wall, under in-plane horizontal cyclic loading of increasing amplitude, with the aim of contributing to the understanding of the seismic behavior of adobe structures. The wall was built with lime adobes taken from an existing building and mortar with a traditional composition. The behavior of the wall was assessed in terms of: shear stress versus horizontal drift and moment versus rotation relationships; maximum lateral strength; drift and rotation at peak stress; evolution of stiffness, lateral displacements, dissipated energy, and natural frequency; and damage pattern. The wall exhibited brittle behavior and in-plane strength corresponding to 56% of the vertical load. Cracking was observed with an X-shaped pattern whereas no sliding occurred at its base. This research supported the subsequent development of a repair and retrofit solution and also of numerical models to simulate the seismic behavior of two adobe buildings.     

Extending modern cartography to the ocean depths: military patronage,Cold War priorities,and the Heezen–Tharp mapping project, 1952–1959

The first comprehensive map of any ocean basin—covering the North Atlantic region—was created in the US in the 1950s. Compiled by Bruce C. Heezen and Marie Tharp, researchers at Columbia University's Lamont Geological Observatory, the Heezen–Tharp physiographic map of 1957 was significant in several respects. It defined the large-scale physiological provinces of the seafloor, and highlighted its major physical features (including the Rift Valley of mid-oceanic ridge, which Tharp discovered). Military funding for oceanographic research in the early Cold War made possible extensive sea voyages that provided these Columbia researchers sea-floor depth profiles and other critical information; military secrecy persuaded Heezen and Tharp to adopt the physiographic approach when national security restrictions made new bathymetric maps ‘born classified’. But overlooked until now is that the Heezen–Tharp map also deeply depended on extensive support from Bell Labs, then laboring to install the first transatlantic telephone lines. Heezen's hope that the map would support the theory of the expanding earth over the resurrected theory of continental drift did not succeed. But the 1957 North Atlantic Physiographic Chart did reaffirm that representations of the seafloor, mediated by new technologies, fundamentally reflected changing motivations for studying the oceans.     

Excavations at Bishop's Street Without: 17th Century Conflict Archaeology in Derry City

Abstract

Excavations on this site, undertaken by Paul Logue for EHS: Built Heritage DOE: NI, produced evidence for at least two phases of occupation outside Bishop's Gate, Londonderry during the 17th century. This occupation came to an end with a phase of activity dated to the commencement of the Jacobite siege in A.D. 1689. Further evidence of that siege was uncovered in the form of a ravelin ditch 2.8 m wide and 0.57 m in depth, constructed in early 1689 to front Bishop's Gate. The extant remains of a sally port interrupted the ditch. A nearby larger ditch, scarped from the sloping ground outside Double Bastion, measured a maximum of 8.4 m in width and 1.4 m in depth. This larger ditch may have been part of efforts to improve the City defences in the wake of the 1641 rebellion. Further evidence of conflict archaeology was recovered in the form of lead shot, weapon furniture and flint gunspalls.     

The Archaeology of the Siege of Fort William, 1746

Abstract

In August and September 2007, the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology and Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) conducted a programme of archaeological investigation of the remains of the old fort at Fort William and part of the Parade in the town of Fort William on the west coast of Scotland. The fieldwork involved geophysical survey at the fort and the Parade, followed by trial excavation of anomalies. Trial trenches at the Parade exposed several rich midden deposits and material providing evidence for the burning of the town of Maryburgh, as suggested in contemporary accounts in 1746. The results at the fort were not so positive, as most traces of the garrison were removed in the 19th and 20th centuries through its use as a railway yard; however, a trench outside the fort suggests survival of midden deposits pre-dating this period of destruction. This part-Heritage Lottery assisted project was a Highland 2007 initiative supported by Lochaber Community Fund and Highland Council, and included active participation on the part of the local community, including school groups and metal detectorists.     

“绩效”二元视角下高速交通对旅游发展的影响及空间效应研究——以长三角地区为例

以长三角地区为研究对象,采用改进TOPSIS法和Super-SBM DEA模型分别测算高速交通优势度和旅游绩效,综合运用双变量LISA方法和空间面板杜宾模型,实证研究2005—2018年长三角高速交通对旅游绩效影响的空间效应及机理。结果表明:(1)2005—2018年,长三角高速交通优势度呈现“东高西低,中间高、南北两翼低”空间格局,且趋向相对均衡化态势。(2)旅游规模高值区集中于省会城市及高速交通干线附近;旅游效率高、较高值区沿“沪宁合—沪杭—杭甬”交通干线分布明显。(3)长三角高速交通对本地和邻近地区旅游规模、旅游效率均存在显著正向驱动效应;高速交通对旅游规模正向影响的直接和间接边际效应系数均大于旅游效率,这与高速交通的“双刃性”、“虹吸效应”及“错配效应”相关。(4)经济实力、旅游资源、产业机构高级化等对本地旅游绩效具有正向促进作用,而旅游资源、人力资本对邻近地区旅游绩效呈现负向外部性。     

历史时期塔里木盆地南缘交通线路变迁与环境的关系

通过对古遗址、古交通线路的多年考察以及沉积剖面分析,结合历史文献和考古资料,探讨了塔里木盆地南缘汉代以来在自然与人文环境影响下交通线路变迁的特点。历史上,在汉、唐两个最为兴盛的时期,气候湿润,国家统一,中央政府统辖西域军政事物。自然与人文环境有利于发展。塔里木盆地南缘各绿洲经济发达,社会稳定,交通往来频繁,线路稳定、通畅。在此两个时期之后的阶段,自然环境干燥少雨,中央政府衰败,难以顾及和控制西域,地方政权相互角逐争斗。绿洲受多种因素影响迁移、废弃或消失过程中,交通线路变迁快。空间上,东西向的交通线路在和田河与克里雅河之间向南移动了200km左右;克里雅河与车尔臣河之间向南移动了100km左右;和田河以西移动了10-50km;而车尔臣河以东变化不大。南北向的交通线路中,沿和田河的交通线路自古以来一直有人通行,而沿克里雅河的路古代也曾是连接盆地南北的主要通道。     

Seismic Refraction at Ancestral Puebloan Sites on the Pajarito Plateau,New Mexico

Abstract

Geophysical techniques can be used for non-invasive surveys at archaeological sites. One under-utilized technique, seismic refraction, has many potential applications. It is an inexpensive, efficient way to characterize subsurface deposits, especially at sites with shallow accumulations over bedrock. Archaeologists and geophysicists participating in the Summer of Applied Geophysics Experience from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Bandelier National Monument on the Pajarito Plateau in northern New Mexico characterized Ancestral Puebloan sites (A.D. 1200–1450) using this technique. We provide an overview of how seismic refraction works and demonstrate the applicability of seismic refraction for identifying buried archaeological features such as communal structures and walls.     

Wools from Vindolanda

Wool fibre measurements defining fleece type are described from local cloth remains excavated at Vindolanda, a roman fort at Chesterholm, south of Hadrian's Wall. Most of the fleeces were of the primitive types known as hairy medium and generalized medium, the latter being the fine wool of antiquity.     

洛阳体育场路东周墓(M8830)发掘简报

2005年2～9月,洛阳市文物工作队配合基建项目在体育场路西发掘了一批东周墓葬。其中M8830未遭盗掘,保存完好。此墓为长方形竖穴土坑墓,墓口南北长3.7、东西宽2.1米。葬具为一棺一椁。随葬器物有铜器、玉器、石器、陶器等,以铜礼器为主。铜器制作精美,种类有鼎、(■)、簋、方壶、(■)、舟、(■)等礼器及车马器。根据墓葬形制及随葬器物,初步推断此墓的年代属春秋中期,墓主为高级贵族。此墓的发掘为研究东周铜器提供了新资料。