The Ancients The Picts: Rulers of the North
49 snips
Sep 21, 2025 Join Professor Gordon Noble, an expert in Pictish archaeology, and Dr. Martin Goldberg, Principal Curator for Medieval Archaeology, as they delve into the enigmatic world of the Picts. They explore the significance of Pictish hillforts like East Lomond, revealing insights into their daily life and economy. Discover the intrigue of Pictish silver hoards and symbol stones, examining how these artifacts shape our understanding of their culture. The conversation uncovers the roles of gender and status in Pictish society, showcasing their artistry and legacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Origins And Name Of The Picts
- The Picts emerged as a unified culture in the 3rd century to resist Roman pressure and formed larger polities.
- The term "Picti" likely referred to painted or tattooed people, though paint colour is debated.
Hillforts As Power Centres
- Hillforts like East Lomond served as power centres and offered visibility, defence, and status within Pictland.
- Continuous occupation from 3rd–7th centuries provides rare stratified evidence of Pictish settlement development.
Economy And Everyday Life
- Archaeology reveals the Picts practiced mixed farming with cattle, pigs, sheep plus hunting and fishing at elite sites.
- Finds like gaming pieces and tools illuminate everyday domestic life previously invisible in texts.