Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of 1st millennium ad glass from Britain

A series of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyses has been undertaken in response to archaeological problems relating to 1st millennium AD glass excavated in Britain. The aim of the work was to furnish a set of comparable analytical results to be used in assessing hypotheses concerning the general state and development of glass technology through this period. Within this framework, however, it has also been possible to attempt answers to specific archaeological questions relating to material from particular sites. The paper discusses the background to, and the interpretation of such results, particulars of the analytical technique used, a general overview of approximately 200 analyses and three examples of the use of this data in relation to specific archaeological problems.