![A group of carved Lewis chess pieces](https://nms-supercool.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Images/Collection-objects/Scottish-History-and-Archaeology/lewis-chess-pieces.jpg?w=570&h=426&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5566&dm=1720774513&s=063cef0c2be1d50b250575230ab8285c)
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
Memories of Nobles Amusements
In May 2024, National Museums Scotland recorded local memories of Nobles Amusements in Portobello, Edinburgh.Nobles Amusements has been a source of family entertainment for over a century. In the 1960s it made way for a new era of games… - Discover
Three tartan coats from the Georgian period
From military style jackets to informal housecoats, three tartan coats in our collection demonstrate the range of styles and uses of these garments in Georgian Britain. - Discover
Tartan cloaks from the Georgian period
Beyond the realms of Highland dress tailoring, Scottish tartan emerged as a popular fashion fabric in Georgian Britain. The cloth found its way into a variety of everyday and occasional garments, such as women’s cloaks, gowns and…