Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (113 page)

British tribal leader, one of the sons of King Cunobelin, who was ruling at the time of the Roman conquest. Being a fierce opponent of Roman rule, he was forced out of his homeland in the southeast of England, after which he fled to become leader of the resistance. At first he was based in the territory of the Silures and then among the Ordovices in North Wales. He was defeated there in ad 51, but escaped and sought refuge in the court of Queen Cartimandua of the Brigantes. Being pro-Roman, she surrendered him to the Romans, but after making an impressive speech in Rome, he was, according to the writer
TACITUS
, pardoned.

 
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A naval commander from Menapia, who seized power in Britain and parts of northern France in ad 286, following successful campaigns against barbarian pirates in the English Channel and North Sea. After successfully resisting the legitimate emperor in the west, Carausius was murdered by Allectus in ad 293, following the loss of Boulogne to Constantius Chlorus.

 
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A staging-post on a camel caravan route where rest and refreshment were available. Also known as a khan.

 
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See
RADIOCARBON DATING
and
CALIBRATION
.

 
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The burning or scorching of organic materials, particularly plant remains such as seeds or grains, in conditions of insufficient oxygen for full combustion. This results in their long-term preservation in a fairly stable state. Charcoal is the most widely known example of carbonized material.

 
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A Latin term for the chambers in an amphitheatre in which beasts or gladiators were kept before a contest.

 
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