At Inchtuthil, a Roman legionary fortress abandoned around 87 AD, a hoard of over 700,000 iron nails was discovered, meticulously organized and seemingly deliberately buried. This unprecedented find, weighing around 7 tons, suggests the Romans intentionally salvaged and conserved these valuable building materials upon leaving the fort, possibly intending to retrieve them later for reuse elsewhere. The sheer quantity, careful arrangement, and strategic burial of the nails offer unique insights into Roman military logistics, engineering practices, and resource management in a volatile frontier environment. The hoard also presents intriguing questions about the Roman withdrawal from Scotland and their long-term strategic planning.
"The Ghosts of Gaelic" explores the decline of the Gaelic languages (Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx) by examining the social and political forces that suppressed them. The article highlights the impact of English colonialism, the rise of English as the language of commerce and education, and the devastating effects of the Highland Clearances and the Great Famine. While acknowledging the significant loss of speakers and cultural heritage, it also points to the enduring presence of Gaelic, evident in revived interest, language learning initiatives, and ongoing efforts to preserve and promote these languages within their respective communities. Ultimately, the article frames the story of Gaelic not as one of simple demise, but rather as a complex narrative of resilience and adaptation in the face of historical adversity.
HN users discuss the decline of Gaelic, attributing it to factors beyond just English suppression. Some highlight the internal social dynamics within Gaelic communities, where upward mobility was linked to English adoption. Others mention the role of the printing press in standardizing and solidifying English's dominance, while the lack of a similar effort for Gaelic hindered its survival. The role of religion, specifically Protestant evangelism promoting English literacy, is also pointed out. Finally, some commenters compare the situation to other minority languages, noting similar patterns of decline and emphasizing the complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors. One compelling argument suggests that language preservation requires more than just government funding or language nests, needing robust everyday use and cultural relevance to thrive. Another notes the parallels with how Latin faded as a vernacular language.
This post presents a newly drawn map of British English dialects, created by the author in 2023. It visualizes regional variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, grouping dialects into broader categories such as 'Northern', 'East Midlands', and 'South West'. The map is intended as a simplified representation of a complex linguistic landscape, acknowledging the inherent difficulties in definitively delineating dialect boundaries. While based on existing research and data, the author emphasizes its subjective nature and encourages discussion and feedback on its accuracy.
HN commenters generally enjoyed the linked map of British English dialects, finding it interesting and well-presented. Some pointed out its limitations, noting that it simplifies a complex reality and misses nuances within regions. A few users shared personal anecdotes about dialectal differences they've encountered, while others discussed the influence of migration and language evolution on regional accents. There was some debate about the accuracy of specific classifications, particularly regarding the Geordie and Mackem dialects. The creator of the map also participated in the discussion, clarifying some design choices and responding to feedback. A significant thread developed around the absence of Estuary English, with users debating its classification and whether its prominence merited inclusion.
Ian Stewart's "The Celts: A Modern History" refutes the romanticized notion of a unified Celtic past. Stewart argues that "Celtic" is a largely modern construct, shaped by 18th and 19th-century romanticism and nationalism. While acknowledging shared linguistic and cultural elements in ancient communities across Europe, he emphasizes their diversity and distinct identities. The book traces how the concept of "Celticism" evolved and was variously appropriated for political and cultural agendas, demonstrating that contemporary interpretations of Celtic identity are far removed from historical realities. Stewart’s rigorous approach deconstructs the persistent myth of a singular Celtic people, presenting a more nuanced and historically accurate view of the dispersed communities labeled "Celtic."
HN commenters largely discuss the problematic nature of defining "Celts," questioning its validity as a unified cultural or ethnic group. Several highlight the anachronistic application of the term, arguing it's a modern construct retroactively applied to disparate groups. Some point to the book's potential value despite this, acknowledging its exploration of how the idea of "Celticness" has been constructed and used throughout history, particularly in relation to national identity. Others suggest alternative readings on the topic or express skepticism towards the review's framing. A recurring theme is the romanticized and often inaccurate portrayal of Celtic history, especially within nationalistic narratives.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43893442
HN commenters discuss the remarkable preservation of the Inchtuthil nail hoard, attributing it to the anaerobic, boggy environment. Some speculate about the Romans' intent, wondering if the withdrawal was planned or hasty, given the seemingly careful burial of valuable materials. One commenter notes the hoard's similarity to other Roman military withdrawals, citing examples like the Kalkriese site in Germany, highlighting the apparent Roman practice of denying resources to potential enemies. Others discuss the potential value of the iron nails at the time, suggesting their strategic importance within the context of a limited iron-working infrastructure. The difficulty of extracting and processing bog iron is also mentioned, adding to the value of the reclaimed nails. A few users delve into the historical context of the Roman occupation of Britain and the complexities surrounding their eventual withdrawal.
The Hacker News post titled "The Inchtuthil Nail Hoard" has generated a modest discussion with several insightful comments focusing on various aspects of the historical find and Roman military practices.
One commenter highlights the impressive scale of Roman logistics, noting that the sheer quantity of nails found (750,000) suggests a remarkable level of organization and planning in the Roman army's construction projects. They specifically point to the challenge of producing and transporting such a massive quantity of nails in the context of ancient technology. This comment sparked a sub-thread discussing the potential methods of nail production during the Roman era, ranging from specialized workshops to more distributed, local production. Another contributor added to this thread, speculating about the possibility of recycling nails from dismantled structures, given the cost of iron.
Another comment chain delves into the possible reasons for the abandonment of Inchtuthil, the Roman fort where the nails were found. The discussion touches on several theories, including a change in Roman strategic priorities, the difficulty of maintaining such a remote outpost, and the potential influence of local resistance from the native Caledonian tribes. One commenter brings up the broader historical context of Roman expansion and contraction within Britain, suggesting that the abandonment of Inchtuthil may have been part of a larger strategic realignment.
Further comments focus on the significance of the nail hoard as a historical artifact. One commenter remarks on the value of such mundane objects in providing insights into the everyday lives of Roman soldiers and the logistics of their operations. They contrast the grand narratives of battles and conquests with the more grounded reality revealed by artifacts like nails, emphasizing the importance of studying the "nuts and bolts" of history. Another commenter emphasizes how such discoveries challenge preconceptions, suggesting that the elaborate construction at Inchtuthil contradicts the common image of Roman forts as purely utilitarian structures.
A smaller thread develops around the process of archaeological excavation and the challenges of interpreting historical findings. One commenter expresses curiosity about the methodology used to excavate and document such a large hoard of nails, and another speculates about the possibility of further discoveries at the site.
Finally, a few comments express general appreciation for the article and the fascinating glimpse it provides into Roman history and military engineering.