Grand Hairy One

Ostracon from Luxor, Egypt dated between 1185 - 1070 BCE on display at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle, England

An ostracon is a pot shard used for writing and were a cheap and easy material to write on in Egypt. This one refers to an appeal by a workman called Nekhemmut over a number of thefts. Ostracons are a unique source of written evidence as the pot shards are more durable than traditional writing in archaeology such as animal skins and early paper.

Gold Penannular Armlets from Corpach, Scotland dated between 1100 - 800 BCE on display at the West Highland Museum in Fort William, Scotland

These armlets were found in 1871 by a crofter who apparently dreamed that if he dug in a particular spot he would find treaure. It worked as he found these gold pieces. This treasure was gifted to Cameron of Lochiel, the land owner, who remitted his rent for life. The armlets are similar to Irish styles which suggests that it was either bought from Ireland or copied by Scottish crafters during the bronze age.

Bronze Helmet from Cannae, Italy dated btween 550 - 500 BCE on display at the British Museum in London, England

This embossed helmet once had a horsehair crest and what was perhaps decorated discs set on it. The helmet is of a Latin style of the ancient Italians but was found in the region of Magna Graecia where Greeks had settled. This armour presumably was taken in trade or fighting and used by whoever needed it.