Reconnaissance excavations on Early Historic fortifications and other royal sites in Scotland, 1974-84: 4, excavations at Alt Clut, Clyde Rock, Strathclyde, 1974-75

Abstract

As part of a long-term programme of research on historically documented fortifications, excavations were carried out in 1974--75 at Dumbarton Castle, anciently known as Alt Clut or Clyde Rock. These disproved the hypothesis that a nuclear fort, after the pattern of Dunadd or Dundurn, could be identified on the Rock, but revealed a timber-and-rubble defence of Early Historic date overlooking the isthmus which links the Rock to the mainland. Finds of especial interest include the northernmost examples of imported Mediterranean amphorae of the sixth century AD, and fragments from at least six glass vessels of Germanic manufacture. Discussion centres on early medieval harbour sites and trade in northern and western Britain. A detailed excavation record and finds catalogue is located on microfiche. Appendices include a `Gazetteer of coastal and inland sites, AD 450--850' (130--8), `The recovery rate of B1 amphora sherds' (138--9), and `Early medieval sculpture at Dumbarton' by John Higgitt (139--42). Au