This book tracks the development of social complexity in Ireland from the late prehistoric period on into the Middle Ages. Using a range of methods and techniques, particularly data from settlement patterns, Blair Gibson demonstrates how Ireland evolved from constellations of chiefdoms into a political entity bearing the characteristics of a rudimentary state. This book argues that early medieval Ireland's highly complex political systems should be viewed as amalgams of chiefdoms with democratic procedures for choosing leaders rather than kingdoms. Gibson explores how these chiefdom confederacies eventually transformed into recognizable states over a period of 1,400 years.
• Expands upon the anthropological chiefdom model with medieval Irish data • First application of pattern recognition analysis as dating technique for drystone architecture in a medieval European context • Puts forth the argument for autochthonous state development in early medieval Ireland
Contents
1. Theoretical considerations; 2. The climate and geology of Clare; 3. Clare's chiefdoms at the dawn of history; 4. An early medieval chiefdom of northern Clare; 5. Reconstructing the social order of Irish chiefdoms through settlement; 6. Of settlements and boundaries: reconstructing the chiefdom of Tulach Commáin; 7. The rulers of Tulach Commáin; 8. The world of Brian Boroimhe; 9. The world of Caithrém Thoirdhealbhaigh; 10. The political topography of late medieval Clare; 11. An overview of the social and political systems of Thomond.
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