Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (520 page)

Kind of pottery with a rough grey core and an orange or brown surface, found mainly in northwest Kent and Surrey, usually in the form of wide-mouthed storage jars and with notched decoration on the shoulder. It is in a native British tradition that lasted into the 2nd century
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1
A rounded saucepan-like bowl, often of bronze, with a long handle, probably used for pouring libations.
2
A shallow round disc-like vessel believed to have been for ceremonial use in Roman worship.
3
A projecting ornament, square or round.

 
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Changes to the outer surface of an artefact that make its colour, texture, feel, or composition different from the main body of the piece, usually as a result of chemical, physical, or biological alteration through contact with the surrounding environment. On flint, patination often appears as a bluish milky-white layer on the surface. This is caused by alkaline conditions slowly affecting the surface of the flint when exposed to the atmosphere or rainwater. The term is also used to refer to the green crust that forms as a result of corrosion on the surface of bronze objects. Under normal circumstances patina takes time to form and is therefore often taken as a reliable indicator of antiquity.

 
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An area of ecclesiastical administration under the jurisdiction of one of the four principal sees of the eastern church: Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Constantinople.

 
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Rule by men.

 
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Saint and bishop. Born around 373 ad, perhaps in Dumbarton, and captured by the Scotti in ad 389. After six years of slavery he went to study under St Martin of Tours before sailing back to Ireland in ad 405. Here he converted Ulster to Christianity and founded a missionary centre near Armagh; he was buried here following his death in
c.
ad 463. Later, when the Irish and Roman churches were in conflict, he was made Ireland's patron saint.

 
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