Author: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
Publisher: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
ISBN: 1871184193
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 374
Book Description
This publication forms Part i of the Royal Commission's Inventory of the Prehistoric and Roman remains of the County of Brecknock (Brycheiniog). Part ii, Hill-Forts and Roman remains was produced in 1986. This volume covers Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age sites with all undefended and unenclosed settlements of probable pre-Norman date, together with summary finds lists and a handlist of Dark Age inscribed stones. Of particular interest in this volume are plans of the unenclosed settlements, some forming parts of palimpsest landscapes, the survey of which was a new departure for the Royal Commission. Inventory Part i: Later Prehistoric Monuments and Unenclosed Settlements to 1000 A.D. Physical Background and Post-glacial History Cave Archaeology Prehistoric (and later) cave sites The Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Periods Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites and findspots Neolithic Settlement and Burial Neolithic Court Tombs Burial and Ritual Structures of the Bronze Age Round Cairns and Barrows of the Bronze Age Other Bronze Age Burials and Lost Cairns; Tithe Award and other Placenames Stone Circles and Stone Settings Stone Circles and Stone Settings: the sites Standing Stones Standing Stones: the sites Mounds of Burned Stone Burned Mounds Later Prehistoric and Protohistoric Settlement Unenclosed Settlements Hillforts (Addendum to Vol 1 (ii) Early Medieval Landholding, Estates and Ecclesiastical Centres Crannog A Handlist of Early Christian Stones Later Prehistoric Lithic Finds Handlist of Bronze Age Bronze Artefacts Index of National Grid References Glossary: General Glossary: Welsh Place-name Elements General Index
An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Brecknock (Brycheiniog)
Author: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
Publisher: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
ISBN: 1871184193
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 374
Book Description
This publication forms Part i of the Royal Commission's Inventory of the Prehistoric and Roman remains of the County of Brecknock (Brycheiniog). Part ii, Hill-Forts and Roman remains was produced in 1986. This volume covers Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age sites with all undefended and unenclosed settlements of probable pre-Norman date, together with summary finds lists and a handlist of Dark Age inscribed stones. Of particular interest in this volume are plans of the unenclosed settlements, some forming parts of palimpsest landscapes, the survey of which was a new departure for the Royal Commission. Inventory Part i: Later Prehistoric Monuments and Unenclosed Settlements to 1000 A.D. Physical Background and Post-glacial History Cave Archaeology Prehistoric (and later) cave sites The Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Periods Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites and findspots Neolithic Settlement and Burial Neolithic Court Tombs Burial and Ritual Structures of the Bronze Age Round Cairns and Barrows of the Bronze Age Other Bronze Age Burials and Lost Cairns; Tithe Award and other Placenames Stone Circles and Stone Settings Stone Circles and Stone Settings: the sites Standing Stones Standing Stones: the sites Mounds of Burned Stone Burned Mounds Later Prehistoric and Protohistoric Settlement Unenclosed Settlements Hillforts (Addendum to Vol 1 (ii) Early Medieval Landholding, Estates and Ecclesiastical Centres Crannog A Handlist of Early Christian Stones Later Prehistoric Lithic Finds Handlist of Bronze Age Bronze Artefacts Index of National Grid References Glossary: General Glossary: Welsh Place-name Elements General Index
Publisher: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
ISBN: 1871184193
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 374
Book Description
This publication forms Part i of the Royal Commission's Inventory of the Prehistoric and Roman remains of the County of Brecknock (Brycheiniog). Part ii, Hill-Forts and Roman remains was produced in 1986. This volume covers Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age sites with all undefended and unenclosed settlements of probable pre-Norman date, together with summary finds lists and a handlist of Dark Age inscribed stones. Of particular interest in this volume are plans of the unenclosed settlements, some forming parts of palimpsest landscapes, the survey of which was a new departure for the Royal Commission. Inventory Part i: Later Prehistoric Monuments and Unenclosed Settlements to 1000 A.D. Physical Background and Post-glacial History Cave Archaeology Prehistoric (and later) cave sites The Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Periods Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites and findspots Neolithic Settlement and Burial Neolithic Court Tombs Burial and Ritual Structures of the Bronze Age Round Cairns and Barrows of the Bronze Age Other Bronze Age Burials and Lost Cairns; Tithe Award and other Placenames Stone Circles and Stone Settings Stone Circles and Stone Settings: the sites Standing Stones Standing Stones: the sites Mounds of Burned Stone Burned Mounds Later Prehistoric and Protohistoric Settlement Unenclosed Settlements Hillforts (Addendum to Vol 1 (ii) Early Medieval Landholding, Estates and Ecclesiastical Centres Crannog A Handlist of Early Christian Stones Later Prehistoric Lithic Finds Handlist of Bronze Age Bronze Artefacts Index of National Grid References Glossary: General Glossary: Welsh Place-name Elements General Index
An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Brecknock (Brycheiniog): Hill-forts and Roman remains
Author: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales
Publisher: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales
ISBN: 0113000030
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
This publication forms Part ii of the first Inventory volume planned for the county of Brycheiniog, Anglice Brecknock. The volume will deal with the Prehistoric and Roman monuments of the county, Part i being an inventory of Neolithic and Bronze Age sites and all undefended settlements of probable pre-Norman date, and the present Part describing those enclosures which can be classed broadly as hill-forts or related structures, and all Roman remains. Altogether 77 monuments are described in detail in this Part, and the staff concerned have investigated nearly 100 sites during the course of the work. There is also a thorough examination of the probable routes of Roman roads in the County. Table of Contents List of Figures Chairman's Preface Editorial Note Report, with List of Monuments selected by the Commissioners as especially worthy of Preservation List of Commissioners and Staff List of Ecclesiastical Parishes, with incidence of Monuments List of Civil Parishes, with incidence of Monuments Abbreviated Titles of References Presentation of Material Inventory Part ii: Hill-forts and Related Structures and Roman Remains Introductory Note The Physical Background Hill-forts and Related Structures Hill-forts: Inventory Hill-forts: Omitted Sites Roman Remains Forts Other Military Works Roads Civil Sites Sites of Uncertain Status Other Remains Suggested Sites and Finds Omitted Sites and Finds Index of National Grid References Glossary: General Glossary: Welsh Place-name Elements General Index
Publisher: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales
ISBN: 0113000030
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 236
Book Description
This publication forms Part ii of the first Inventory volume planned for the county of Brycheiniog, Anglice Brecknock. The volume will deal with the Prehistoric and Roman monuments of the county, Part i being an inventory of Neolithic and Bronze Age sites and all undefended settlements of probable pre-Norman date, and the present Part describing those enclosures which can be classed broadly as hill-forts or related structures, and all Roman remains. Altogether 77 monuments are described in detail in this Part, and the staff concerned have investigated nearly 100 sites during the course of the work. There is also a thorough examination of the probable routes of Roman roads in the County. Table of Contents List of Figures Chairman's Preface Editorial Note Report, with List of Monuments selected by the Commissioners as especially worthy of Preservation List of Commissioners and Staff List of Ecclesiastical Parishes, with incidence of Monuments List of Civil Parishes, with incidence of Monuments Abbreviated Titles of References Presentation of Material Inventory Part ii: Hill-forts and Related Structures and Roman Remains Introductory Note The Physical Background Hill-forts and Related Structures Hill-forts: Inventory Hill-forts: Omitted Sites Roman Remains Forts Other Military Works Roads Civil Sites Sites of Uncertain Status Other Remains Suggested Sites and Finds Omitted Sites and Finds Index of National Grid References Glossary: General Glossary: Welsh Place-name Elements General Index
The Archaeology of the Welsh Uplands
Author: David M. Browne
Publisher: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
ISBN: 1871184266
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 151
Book Description
Cyfrol llawn lluniau yn archwilio i ardaloedd ucheldirol Cymru, gyda sylw arbennig i hanes a gorffennol diwydiannol yr ardaloedd hyn a'u pwysigrwydd i ddatblygiad cymdeithasol ac economaidd y wlad. Cyhoeddwyd yn wreiddiol yn Mawrth 2004. -- Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru
Publisher: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
ISBN: 1871184266
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 151
Book Description
Cyfrol llawn lluniau yn archwilio i ardaloedd ucheldirol Cymru, gyda sylw arbennig i hanes a gorffennol diwydiannol yr ardaloedd hyn a'u pwysigrwydd i ddatblygiad cymdeithasol ac economaidd y wlad. Cyhoeddwyd yn wreiddiol yn Mawrth 2004. -- Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru
Mynydd Du and Fforest Fawr The Evolution of an Upland Landscape in South Wales
Author: David K. Leighton
Publisher: RCAHMW
ISBN: 1871184126
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 131
Book Description
Wales is essentially an upland country where mountains and moorlands are the dominant components of the rural scene. The form and character of these landscapes are the consequence of a long history of change. Their distinctiveness is the result of complex interaction between the natural environment and human intervention. Based on the results of an archaeological field survey, this book attempts to unravel the many strands in the evolution of one particular upland area of South Wales, Mynydd Du and Fforest Fawr, part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The history of human activity in this area can be traced back to the earliest stages of climatic warming after the end of the last Ice Age when Mesolithic hunters followed migrating herds onto the less densely wooded high ground. Seasonal visiting was continued by early farmers until, from the beginning of the Bronze Age, more intensive patterns of land use emerged. After the end of the Roman military presence evidence for mainly seasonal occupation once again becomes widespread, during the Medieval and Post-Medieval periods. This was followed by the intensive exploitation of the area's mineral wealth during the Industrial Revolution and after, giving rise to some of the most dramatic features of the present-day landscape.
Publisher: RCAHMW
ISBN: 1871184126
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 131
Book Description
Wales is essentially an upland country where mountains and moorlands are the dominant components of the rural scene. The form and character of these landscapes are the consequence of a long history of change. Their distinctiveness is the result of complex interaction between the natural environment and human intervention. Based on the results of an archaeological field survey, this book attempts to unravel the many strands in the evolution of one particular upland area of South Wales, Mynydd Du and Fforest Fawr, part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The history of human activity in this area can be traced back to the earliest stages of climatic warming after the end of the last Ice Age when Mesolithic hunters followed migrating herds onto the less densely wooded high ground. Seasonal visiting was continued by early farmers until, from the beginning of the Bronze Age, more intensive patterns of land use emerged. After the end of the Roman military presence evidence for mainly seasonal occupation once again becomes widespread, during the Medieval and Post-Medieval periods. This was followed by the intensive exploitation of the area's mineral wealth during the Industrial Revolution and after, giving rise to some of the most dramatic features of the present-day landscape.
Wales and the Britons, 350-1064
Author: T. M. Charles-Edwards
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198217315
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 816
Book Description
The most detailed history of the Welsh from Late-Roman Britain to the eve of the Norman Conquest. Integrates the history of religion, language, and literature with the history of events.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198217315
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 816
Book Description
The most detailed history of the Welsh from Late-Roman Britain to the eve of the Norman Conquest. Integrates the history of religion, language, and literature with the history of events.
The Medieval Welsh 'Englynion Y Beddau'
Author: Patrick Sims-Williams
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
ISBN: 184384706X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 395
Book Description
Edition and translation of this important genre of Old Welsh poetry.The "Stanzas of the Graves" or "Graves of the Warriors of the Island of Britain", attributed to the legendary poet Taliesin, describe ancient heroes' burial places. Like the "Triads of the Island of Britain", they are an indispensable key to the narrative literature of medieval Wales. The heroes come from the whole of Britain, including Mercia and present-day Scotland, as well as many from Wales and a few from Ireland. Many characters known from the Mabinogion appear, often with additional information, as do some from romance and early Welsh saga, such as Arthur, Bedwyr, Gawain, Owain son of Urien, Merlin, and Vortigern. The seventh-century grave of Penda of Mercia, beneath the river Winwæd in Yorkshire, is the latest grave to be included. The poems testify to the interest aroused by megaliths, tumuli, and other apparently man-made monuments, some of which can be identified with known prehistoric remains.This volume offers a full edition and translation of the poems, mapped with reference to all the manuscripts, starting with the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest extant book of Welsh poetry. There is also a detailed commentary on their linguistic, literary, historical, and archaeological aspects. translation of the poems, mapped with reference to all the manuscripts, starting with the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest extant book of Welsh poetry. There is also a detailed commentary on their linguistic, literary, historical, and archaeological aspects. translation of the poems, mapped with reference to all the manuscripts, starting with the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest extant book of Welsh poetry. There is also a detailed commentary on their linguistic, literary, historical, and archaeological aspects. translation of the poems, mapped with reference to all the manuscripts, starting with the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest extant book of Welsh poetry. There is also a detailed commentary on their linguistic, literary, historical, and archaeological aspects.
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
ISBN: 184384706X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 395
Book Description
Edition and translation of this important genre of Old Welsh poetry.The "Stanzas of the Graves" or "Graves of the Warriors of the Island of Britain", attributed to the legendary poet Taliesin, describe ancient heroes' burial places. Like the "Triads of the Island of Britain", they are an indispensable key to the narrative literature of medieval Wales. The heroes come from the whole of Britain, including Mercia and present-day Scotland, as well as many from Wales and a few from Ireland. Many characters known from the Mabinogion appear, often with additional information, as do some from romance and early Welsh saga, such as Arthur, Bedwyr, Gawain, Owain son of Urien, Merlin, and Vortigern. The seventh-century grave of Penda of Mercia, beneath the river Winwæd in Yorkshire, is the latest grave to be included. The poems testify to the interest aroused by megaliths, tumuli, and other apparently man-made monuments, some of which can be identified with known prehistoric remains.This volume offers a full edition and translation of the poems, mapped with reference to all the manuscripts, starting with the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest extant book of Welsh poetry. There is also a detailed commentary on their linguistic, literary, historical, and archaeological aspects. translation of the poems, mapped with reference to all the manuscripts, starting with the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest extant book of Welsh poetry. There is also a detailed commentary on their linguistic, literary, historical, and archaeological aspects. translation of the poems, mapped with reference to all the manuscripts, starting with the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest extant book of Welsh poetry. There is also a detailed commentary on their linguistic, literary, historical, and archaeological aspects. translation of the poems, mapped with reference to all the manuscripts, starting with the Black Book of Carmarthen, the oldest extant book of Welsh poetry. There is also a detailed commentary on their linguistic, literary, historical, and archaeological aspects.
Reflections: 50 Years of Medieval Archaeology, 1957-2007: No. 30
Author: Roberta Gilchrist
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351551884
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 689
Book Description
This volume celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Society for Medieval Archaeology (established in 1957), presenting reflections on the history, development and future prospects of the discipline. The papers are drawn from a series of conferences and workshops that took place in 2007-08, in addition to a number of contributions that were commissioned especially for the volume. They range from personal commentaries on the history of the Society and the growth of the subject (see papers by David Wilson and Rosemary Cramp), to historiographical, regional and thematic overviews of major trends in the evolution and current practice of medieval archaeology. All the publications are fully refereed with the aim of publishing at the highest academic level reports on sites of national and international importance, and of encouraging the widest debate. The series’ objectives are to cover the broadest chronological and geographical range and to assemble a series of volumes which reflect the changing intellectual and technical scope of the discipline.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351551884
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 689
Book Description
This volume celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Society for Medieval Archaeology (established in 1957), presenting reflections on the history, development and future prospects of the discipline. The papers are drawn from a series of conferences and workshops that took place in 2007-08, in addition to a number of contributions that were commissioned especially for the volume. They range from personal commentaries on the history of the Society and the growth of the subject (see papers by David Wilson and Rosemary Cramp), to historiographical, regional and thematic overviews of major trends in the evolution and current practice of medieval archaeology. All the publications are fully refereed with the aim of publishing at the highest academic level reports on sites of national and international importance, and of encouraging the widest debate. The series’ objectives are to cover the broadest chronological and geographical range and to assemble a series of volumes which reflect the changing intellectual and technical scope of the discipline.
Space, Place and Religious Landscapes
Author: Darrelyn Gunzburg
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1350079898
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 288
Book Description
Exploring sacred mountains around the world, this book examines whether bonding and reverence to a mountain is intrinsic to the mountain, constructed by people, or a mutual encounter. Chapters explore mountains in England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Ireland, the Himalaya, Japan, Greece, USA, Asia and South America, and embrace the union of sky, landscape and people to examine the religious dynamics between human and non-human entities. This book takes as its starting point the fact that mountains physically mediate between land and sky and act as metaphors for bridges from one realm to another, recognising that mountains are relational and that landscapes form personal and group cosmologies. The book fuses ideas of space, place and material religion with cultural environmentalism and takes an interconnected approach to material religio-landscapes. In this way it fills the gap between lived religious traditions, personal reflection, phenomenology, historical context, environmental philosophy, myths and performativity. In defining material religion as active engagement with mountain-forming and humanshaping landscapes, the research and ideas presented here provide theories that are widely applicable to other forms of material religion.
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1350079898
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 288
Book Description
Exploring sacred mountains around the world, this book examines whether bonding and reverence to a mountain is intrinsic to the mountain, constructed by people, or a mutual encounter. Chapters explore mountains in England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Ireland, the Himalaya, Japan, Greece, USA, Asia and South America, and embrace the union of sky, landscape and people to examine the religious dynamics between human and non-human entities. This book takes as its starting point the fact that mountains physically mediate between land and sky and act as metaphors for bridges from one realm to another, recognising that mountains are relational and that landscapes form personal and group cosmologies. The book fuses ideas of space, place and material religion with cultural environmentalism and takes an interconnected approach to material religio-landscapes. In this way it fills the gap between lived religious traditions, personal reflection, phenomenology, historical context, environmental philosophy, myths and performativity. In defining material religion as active engagement with mountain-forming and humanshaping landscapes, the research and ideas presented here provide theories that are widely applicable to other forms of material religion.
Llangorse Crannog
Author: Alan Lane
Publisher: Oxbow Books
ISBN: 1789253071
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 514
Book Description
The crannog on Llangorse Lake near Brecon in mid Wales was discovered in 1867 and first excavated in 1869 by two local antiquaries, Edgar and Henry Dumbleton, who published their findings over the next four years. In 1988 dendrochronological dates from submerged palisade planks established its construction in the ninth century, and a combined off- and on-shore investigation of the site was started as a joint project between Cardiff University and Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales. The subsequent surveys and excavation (1989-1994, 2004) resulted in the recovery of a remarkable time capsule of life in the late ninth and tenth century, on the only crannog yet identified in Wales. This publication re-examines the early investigations, describes in detail the anatomy of the crannog mound and its construction, and the material culture found. The crannog’s treasures include early medieval secular and religious metalwork, evidence for manufacture, the largest depository of early medieval carpentry in Wales and a remarkable richly embroidered silk and linen textile which is fully analysed and placed in context. The crannog’s place in Welsh history is explored, as a royal llys (‘court’) within the kingdom of Brycheiniog. Historical record indicates the site was destroyed in 916 by Aethelflaed, the Mercian queen, in the course of the Viking wars of the early tenth century. The subsequent significance of the crannog in local traditions and its post-medieval occupation during a riotous dispute in the reign Elizabeth I are also discussed. Two logboats from the vicinity of the crannog are analysed, and a replica described. The cultural affinities of the crannog and its material culture is assessed, as are their relationship to origin myths for the kingdom, and to probable links with early medieval Ireland. The folk tales associated with the lake are explored, in a book that brings together archaeology, history, myths and legends, underwater and terrestrial archaeology.
Publisher: Oxbow Books
ISBN: 1789253071
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 514
Book Description
The crannog on Llangorse Lake near Brecon in mid Wales was discovered in 1867 and first excavated in 1869 by two local antiquaries, Edgar and Henry Dumbleton, who published their findings over the next four years. In 1988 dendrochronological dates from submerged palisade planks established its construction in the ninth century, and a combined off- and on-shore investigation of the site was started as a joint project between Cardiff University and Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales. The subsequent surveys and excavation (1989-1994, 2004) resulted in the recovery of a remarkable time capsule of life in the late ninth and tenth century, on the only crannog yet identified in Wales. This publication re-examines the early investigations, describes in detail the anatomy of the crannog mound and its construction, and the material culture found. The crannog’s treasures include early medieval secular and religious metalwork, evidence for manufacture, the largest depository of early medieval carpentry in Wales and a remarkable richly embroidered silk and linen textile which is fully analysed and placed in context. The crannog’s place in Welsh history is explored, as a royal llys (‘court’) within the kingdom of Brycheiniog. Historical record indicates the site was destroyed in 916 by Aethelflaed, the Mercian queen, in the course of the Viking wars of the early tenth century. The subsequent significance of the crannog in local traditions and its post-medieval occupation during a riotous dispute in the reign Elizabeth I are also discussed. Two logboats from the vicinity of the crannog are analysed, and a replica described. The cultural affinities of the crannog and its material culture is assessed, as are their relationship to origin myths for the kingdom, and to probable links with early medieval Ireland. The folk tales associated with the lake are explored, in a book that brings together archaeology, history, myths and legends, underwater and terrestrial archaeology.
Places of Special Virtue
Author: Alasdair Whittle
Publisher: Oxbow Books
ISBN: 1785705423
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 541
Book Description
This volume explores the landscape settings of megalithic chambered monuments in Wales. Set against a broader theoretical discussion on the significance of the landscape, the authors consider the role of visual landscapes in prehistory, meanings attached to the landscape, and the values and beliefs invested in it. Wales is rich in Neolithic monuments, but the general absence of certain classic monumental forms found in the rest of Britain and Ireland, such as causewayed enclosures, henges, and cursus monuments, seems to have marginalized the Welsh record from many wider discussions on the Neolithic. Instead of seeing Wales as an area which lacks many of these 'classic' components, Cummings and Whittle argue that Wales has its own unique and individual Neolithic which is simply different from the Neolithic found further to the east. It is suggested that this difference may relate to an essentially mobile existence, with strong links back to the Mesolithic period. The authors present three detailed case studies, examining the settings of sites in southwest, northwest and southeast Wales. They outline the history of research for each region, including the previous classification of the monuments and any excavations, and describe the specific landscape settings of the monuments. They assess the significance of a variety of landscape features which would have been visible from the monuments, in particular emphasizing the mythological and symbolic significance of the sea, rivers and mountains. An illustrated inventory of sites completes the volume.
Publisher: Oxbow Books
ISBN: 1785705423
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 541
Book Description
This volume explores the landscape settings of megalithic chambered monuments in Wales. Set against a broader theoretical discussion on the significance of the landscape, the authors consider the role of visual landscapes in prehistory, meanings attached to the landscape, and the values and beliefs invested in it. Wales is rich in Neolithic monuments, but the general absence of certain classic monumental forms found in the rest of Britain and Ireland, such as causewayed enclosures, henges, and cursus monuments, seems to have marginalized the Welsh record from many wider discussions on the Neolithic. Instead of seeing Wales as an area which lacks many of these 'classic' components, Cummings and Whittle argue that Wales has its own unique and individual Neolithic which is simply different from the Neolithic found further to the east. It is suggested that this difference may relate to an essentially mobile existence, with strong links back to the Mesolithic period. The authors present three detailed case studies, examining the settings of sites in southwest, northwest and southeast Wales. They outline the history of research for each region, including the previous classification of the monuments and any excavations, and describe the specific landscape settings of the monuments. They assess the significance of a variety of landscape features which would have been visible from the monuments, in particular emphasizing the mythological and symbolic significance of the sea, rivers and mountains. An illustrated inventory of sites completes the volume.