A Mini Guide to Prehistoric Monuments | Animated History
Britain's Prehistoric Monuments
Overview of Prehistoric Monuments
- Britain's prehistoric monuments date back nearly 4,000 years and are primarily constructed from earth and stone. Many of these structures still exist today, scattered across the landscape.
- The guide aims to help identify various ancient sites, starting with long barrows, which are among the earliest monuments dating back approximately 6,000 years when agriculture began in Britain.
Long Barrows and Henges
- A long barrow is characterized as an extended earth mound that contains a burial chamber made of stone or timber; often only the entrance remains visible.
- Around 5,000 years ago, henges emerged—earthwork enclosures that typically surrounded stone or timber structures and sometimes enclosed settlements.
Stone Circles and Their Significance
- During the same period as henges, stone circles began to appear in various sizes. These monumental constructions required significant communal effort for their creation.
- Stone circles served multiple purposes beyond religious activities; they were also venues for gatherings, trading, and feasting. They could be part of larger ceremonial complexes.
Burial Practices: Round Barrows
- With the advent of metalworking around 4,500 years ago, round barrows became common burial sites where individuals were interred with metal weapons and jewelry.
- Different types of barrows include bowl-shaped and bell-shaped variants. These burial mounds were often clustered together in cemeteries.
Hill Forts: Defensive Structures
- Simple hill forts appeared about 3,000 years ago during the Iron Age. These elevated sites were enclosed by banks and ditches primarily for defense but also served as symbols of status.