Unstructured data and archaeology : the use of large datasets in archaeological research
Abigail Felicity Taylor · University of Birmingham Institutional Research Archive (University of Birmingham) · 2020
This thesis demonstrates the utility of unstructured data for archaeological research using the example of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). The aim was achieved using a two-part methodology. Firstly, the longue durée was assessed using the whole dataset and key periods of difference from overall trends identified. Secondly, the data were reduced to a case study period, building on previous work by going beyond distribution maps and analysis of settlement patterns. The greater statistical power of such a large dataset was exploited using analysis of categories of finds to determine whether there were statistically significant differences in the make-up of finds assemblages. Overall, the research demonstrated the utility of PAS data and its usefulness in terms of the long durée and nationwide trends. It also demonstrated that the data can provide coarse-grained analysis of a period and a broad overview of regionality. Limitations were identified, namely that a lack of secure dating, specific artifact type identification and association with other archaeological material hinder the ability to conduct detailed analysis. As the data is used on more micro-levels, the limitations on the data become more prevalent.