INSECT REMAINS FROM COPTHALL AVENUE LONDON.

Author(s): E P Allison, H Kenward

The insect remains from 32 samples were examined in detail. The majority were of Roman date, but some were from natural valley deposits and others of medieval date Preservation had been by 'waterlogging'. The remains had been extracted by non-standard techniques, and the majority of the assemblages were small, but many had such a strong character that their implications were clear. The fauna from the natural valley fills indicated that the deposits had formed during a period when the influence of man in the area was weak. By the late 1st-early 2nd century human settlement had reached urban density in the vicinity of the site, and trade had resulted in the importation of alien grain pests.Insect faunas of predominantly urban character were obtained throughout the Roman phases; aquatic and water-side species were also well-represented. Samples dated to the late 11th- early 12th century were from peat,with a fauna associated with sluggish or still water with abundant vegetation, and with water margins.There was no evidence for human occupation at or near the site of deposition from three of the four samples dated to this stage.

Report Number:
194/1987
Series:
AML Reports (New Series)
Pages:
14
Keywords:
Animal Remains Insect

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