Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (750 page)

BOOK: Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology
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tundra
[Ge].
PERIGLACIAL
type of environment with a permanently frozen subsoil. Vegetation is restricted to mosses, small plants, shrubs, etc.
turf line
[Ge].
A layer of organic-rich material forming the upper part of an in situ soil profile, the whole sealed beneath a deposit of mixed redeposited material, typically the matrix of a bank or mound. Although the term ‘turf line’ technically only refers to the uppermost horizon of a buried soil, it is more generally used in the archaeological literature to refer either to the whole buried soil or to a dark layer within an accumulation of some kind.
turkey
[Sp].
Large game-bird of the Phasianidae family (Meleagris gallopavo) with dark plumage, native to North America from Canada down to Mexico. Widely hunted from Archaic times onwards, especially in the Great Plains and eastern woodlands. In their wild state turkeys have been hunted to extinction in North America, although there are many domestic breeds. Brought to Europe in the 16th century
ad
.
turma
[De].
squadron of cavalry, usually of about 30 men, forming part of an
ALA
.
turnpike road
[MC].
A toll road established and run by a private company, usually known as a Turnpike Trust. The ‘turnpike’ itself was the gate or tollbar, through which travellers could pass after payment of the toll.
turquoise
[Ma].
Hydrated copper aluminium phosphate occurring naturally as a semi-precious stone, sky-blue to pale green in colour. Highly prized for use in making jewellery by many ancient cultures in western Asia, Egypt, Mesoamerica, and the American southwest. The main Asiatic source lies in Iran, from where it was widely traded, other sources being known in the Sinai Desert and the Eastern Desert of Egypt. In the Americas rich deposits are known in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.

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