This week we attended a coin exposition where we were presented the world’s largest Celtic coin hoard.

The labels on the coins and other items such as an an old “Celtic purse”, or a sword stated the object and their use or that they belong to a certain Celtic tribe for example the label on the coin in the picture stated that it belonged to the Durotriges tribe. Associations can be acquired in history though triangulation, but in this case there is no concrete proof that that coin was truly associated with that specific tribe as in history we can estimate the time and region a certain object might be found in, but that does not mean that those specific details are 100% true and exact without knowing the context at the time being. For example the coin could be originated from a different region and brought over by travellers , therefore it is not certain that its meaning and origin are completely accurate. Therefore to acquire good evidence for a claim the evidence must be accurate and exact in order to claim that information as true.

Due to historical research not being an exact science, fact-finding in history is likely to become uncertain information, therefore it may not be possible to uncover what actually happened. Another example is in the second picture of the sword and remains of the shield. The diagram drawn depicts a man, but due to our uncertainty regarding the culture that cant be certain as the principles of the tripe are unknown.

‘How is current knowledge shaped by its historical development.’

At the exhibition there was the single Roman Coin, that once uncovered as part of the hoard changed the story of the entire excavation. Once uncovered, the coin, dating back to the Roman Invasion of Gaul, changed archaeologist’s theory in when the hoard was buried. This is an example of how current knowledge is shaped by Historical development as the estimate for the hoard’s age has been changed due to one single piece of history being discovered.

‘How do we know when something new is created?’

Here is a purse similar to the one from the hoard. It is very easy for people to buy a new Chanel, Prada or Gucci purse now- but does this count as new? Say, if I found a purse even older than the one from the hoard, would that mean that this purse wasn’t a new invention for its wearers. I believe the way that this can be concluded, is whether its new to the user.

‘What is the relationship between Knowledge and Culture?’

Being portrayed as a Male warrior within the exhibition; the iron age sword and shield is an example where culture shapes knowledge. Within our society it is very usual for Men to be portrayed as warriors, not women. This exhibit followed the trend, where there was most likely little evidence to point out the user was a Male. It is clear from Iron Age warriors like Boudicca that women were often seen fighting alongside men.