This research project was designed as a large scale detailed study of British swords and spearheads, of the period from approximately 1250-750BC. 202 small metallurgical samples and 4 large sword cross sections were examined metallographically. Chemical compositions were ascertained. Sections of 'sword edge' were prepared and impacted experimentally to reproduce combat damage and the results used to help assess the 499 swords and 485 spearheads, which were measured and examined visually. The results were analysed statistically according to regional and typological groupings. The distribution of manufacturing characteristics showed significant regional and typological variations and indicate a hierarchy of technical proficiency. Metallographic examinations also revealed a number of weapons which had been burnt. The compositional analyses showed metal being recycled and mixed, although alloys used were similar. Aspects of typological classification were quantified and regional patterns of distribution were assessed. Patterns of damage confirmed that that the majority of the weapons had probably been used in combat before deposition. There were significant regional and chronological differences in the proportions so used. Patterns of non-combat damage, breakage and depositional context showed that despite evident similarities some highly significant regional, chronological and typological differences existed. The weapons indicate that warfare was endemic but probably sporadic and low level. Communities appear to have exercised some form of social sanctioning over warriors, in part by incorporating weapons and the concept of war symbolically within their ceremonials. Deposition practices varied with time and locality but many do appear to have been ritual. There were also distinct regional and chronological traditions in the design, manufacturing and pre-depositional combat use of weapons. The evidence points to an escalation in long distance travel and exchange of goods and ideas, increasing contacts between regions, where people adapted the new to their own society.

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This research explores the phenomenon of Bronze Age spearheads between the Middle and Final Bronze Age (18th century-9th century B.C.) in Italy. It will explore how these objects change over time and analyse patterns of distribution as well as changes in depositional context. The thesis consists of a catalogue of examples from the Italian Peninsula which are analysed in two ways: first, a typological sequence has been constructed, in order to identify differences in form, appearance and dimension, in order to analyze chronological and regional variation. Second, edge-wear analysis is conducted on a sample of objects in order to gain an appreciation of how this method can inform the archaeological interpretation of artefact biographies. The premise of such a study is rooted in a theoretical framework which argues that objects embody fundamental aspects of people’s social lives. As weapons for both hunting and warfare, spears embody rich symbolism which was drawn upon by Bronze Age communities, in many different ways. The biographical approach reveals close connections between these objects and the lives of individuals, the places they lived in as well locales which were of ritual importance to them. The edge-wear analysis also suggests that these objects were conceptualized as having lives which were ritually ended through deliberate damage, in addition to natural wear, damage and repair. These studies are situated within broader traditions of northern European archaeological evidence. The thesis concludes by arguing this biographical approach considerably enriches more traditional typological approaches to material culture. When used in combination with the study of the context of deposition, it suggests Mediterranean scholarship on prehistoric metallurgy can benefit greatly from these conjoined methodologies.

Dans l'historiographie de l'âge du Bronze final, le tiers ouest de la péninsule Ibérique est considéré comme une province atlantique, qui interagit avec les autres "membres" du complexe atlantique, c'est-à-dire, les territoires de la France, de la Grande-Bretagne et de l'Irlande principalement. Dans ce réseau, les populations échangeraient individus, objets, idées et savoir-faire ; elles créeraient ainsi un espace délimité par la présence d'un lot d'artefacts communs (des outils, des armes, de la parure...) et par des pratiques communes (le festin, la déposition d'objets métalliques, etc.). Il est à noter que pratiques funéraires, architecture de l'habitat et matériel céramique sont de nature différentes et ont très tôt été exclus de cette définition, empêchant de qualifier cet ensemble de culture homogène. Un premier constat concernant la dispersion du mobilier métallique, réputé de types atlantiques, démontre qu'il existe en péninsule Ibérique des réseaux d'échanges puissants entre l'Atlantique et la Méditerranée, qui amènent à questionner le rôle et la place du territoire au sein du "complexe atlantique" européen. Ces remarques naissent d'un regard nouveau porté au vestige archéologique et amènent à questionner l'existence d'un faciès atlantique en péninsule Ibérique, et peut-être même en Europe. L'analyse des correspondances multiples, qui consiste à confronter plusieurs paramètres, répond à ce besoin de considérer le vestige archéologique comme un objet fonctionnel, fabriqué et utilisé par des hommes de l'âge du Bronze final. Dans le cas des épées, des haches et des pointes de lance, il s'agit de relever des critères quantitatifs et qualitatifs qui seront comparés successivement les uns avec les autres. L'objectif est de répondre à une série de questions précises, déterminées par des hypothèses relatives à la fabrication, à la fonction et à l'usage de l'objet. Ce travail est développé en trois temps qui se veulent les reflets des différents questionnements mis en place dès l'introduction. Le premier chapitre présente les enjeux du débat et la question principale qui oriente l'argumentation : Existe-t-il un faciès atlantique ? Le deuxième chapitre est dédié à l'étude des objets, particulièrement les épées, les haches et les pointes de lance. Cette étude rend compte du traitement statistique effectué mais également de l'analyse technique et fonctionnelle des objets. Le troisième chapitre constitue la synthèse de ces différentes approches et propose plusieurs éléments de réponse à la question de départ : existe-t-il un faciès atlantique en péninsule Ibérique ? / In the MBA and LBA historiography, the west lands of Europe - Great-Britain, Ireland, France and Iberian Peninsula - are gathered under the name "Atlantic complex". In this network, populations trade artifacts, ideas and Knowledge. Thus, they create a territory delimited by a set of communal artifacts (tools, weapons, jewellery, etc.) and by communal practices like feasts and hoards. It should be noted that burial practices, domestic architecture or potteries are of different natures, which make it impossible to call it an homogeneous culture. Since a few years, we wonder about the existence of this complex and we try to identify its features. How can we define a culture? How can we identify economic, technical or cultural areas? Does the Atlantic complex really exist? In order to answer these questions, the study of the Iberian Peninsula proved very interesting. The discovery of metallics artifact known as atlantic types let us think that Peninsula was an atlantic territory. However, facing the differences between artifacts from Peninsula and GB or France, we are allowed to challenge the existence of this complex. I propose here another approach of the Atlantic world, based on metallic artifacts found in the Iberian Peninsula. This work will be held in three parts. In the first part, I will show the problems of this work by presenting a short historiography of the methodology and its limits. I will then propose a new approach, elaborated upon my PHD work. In the second part, i will present three examples of this new approach: swords, axes and spearheads from the Iberian Peninsula. Finally, I will try to answer the question at issue : Does the Atlantic complex exist in The Iberian peninsula and in Europe in general ?