Early ironworking and its impact on the environment : Palaeoecological evidence from Bryn y Castell Hillfort, Snowdonia, North Wales

摘要: The environmental impact of the Late Iron Age and Romano-British ironworking hillfort Bryn y Castell in upland southern Snowdonia was investigated by multiple profile pollen charcoal analysis nearby valley mire blanket peat deposits. Pollen data, collected from five radiocarbon dated profiles within a 1.5 km radius hillfort, indicate that activities apparently had only localised on environment. Small-scale declines certain arboreal taxa can be correlated with occupancy site. Betula Alnus appear to most affected, minor loss Corylus Quercus. pattern values during period is considered context evidence for deliberate woodland management, scale duration ironworking, alternative forms human disturbance. Overall, results suggest recovered its pre-ironworking level except immediate vicinity hillfort. Integration archaeological palaeoecological data allowed understanding resource-based aspects this prehistoric industrial site have wider implications field experimental archaeology.