
Medieval Archaeology and History
Our collections of Medieval Archaeology and History cover the material evidence of a crucial thousand-year period from the fifth to the fifteenth century AD through a range of archaeological finds and assemblages that are unrivaled in strength and diversity for representing Scotland and its place in the world.
Long-lived sites occupied for many centuries can provide evidence for everyday life, while novel sites such as monasteries tell us about new ways of thinking about the world through the advent of Christianity. Gold and silver hoards, or the iconic Lewis Chess-pieces capture more unusual moments in time through spectacular material. The collection covers the high-point of Celtic art (Ultimate La Tene) including some of the most accomplished stone sculpture on Early Christian monuments in Europe, the largest collection of Viking-age grave assemblages outside of Scandinavia and the High Medieval period when Scotland first emerged into history as a kingdom with a distinct national identity.
The Medieval Archaeology and History section facilitates activities, access, loans and research partnerships, producing exhibitions, books and multi-media presentations of new ideas and information about this formative period in Scottish history.
Meet the team
Dr Martin Goldberg
Principal Curator of Medieval Archaeology and HistoryDr Alice Blackwell
Senior Curator, Medieval Archaeology & HistoryCraig Angus
Assistant Curator, Medieval Archaeology & HistoryDr Adrián Maldonado
Galloway Hoard ResearcherDr Mary Davis
Galloway Hoard Researcher, Unwrapping the Galloway Hoard
Medieval Archaeology and History stories
- Discover
A rare pectoral cross in the Galloway Hoard
Viking-age hoards are known for their large amounts of hacksilver. These are silver objects cut up and valued for their weight. Complete objects are rare from these silver hoards. A well-preserved pectoral cross placed near the top of the… - Discover
The story of the Lewis chess pieces
This group of eleven medieval chess pieces were part of a large hoard buried on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. The hoard contained 93 gaming pieces in total, including from at least four chess sets as well as other games.The chess pieces… - Discover
A runic revelation: Who owned the Galloway hoard?
With any hoard, some of the most common questions are about who buried it, and why. Usually, Viking-age hoards of silver are a mix of anonymous ornaments, often hacked into pieces. If we’re lucky, there may be coins which at least help us…