Round Mounds And Monumentality In The British Neolithic And Beyond Neolithic

In the ancient landscapes of the British Isles, a remarkable tradition of monumental earthwork construction and burial practices emerged during the Neolithic period and continued to evolve in the subsequent Bronze Age. One of the fascinating aspects of this cultural phenomenon is the prevalence of round mounds as evident in the numerous archaeological sites across the region. These round mounds, often referred to as barrows or round barrows, served as burial places for the dead and were a significant part of the Neolithic communities' belief systems and practices. In this article, we delve into the significance of round mounds and explore the monumental legacy they left behind.

The construction of round mounds dates back to the early Neolithic period, around 4000 BCE, and lasted until the Bronze Age, around 2500 BCE. The builders of these impressive structures were early farming communities that had settled in the fertile lands of Britain. They meticulously shaped the landscape to create these mounds, sometimes using existing natural features like hills or modifying the terrain to suit their purpose. These round mounds were often surrounded by ditches or circular enclosures, further adding to their grandeur.

The primary purpose of round mounds was as burial monuments. These mounds functioned as tombs, where individuals or groups were laid to rest along with valuable grave goods. The presence of numerous round mounds in close proximity suggests that they served as family or communal burial sites. The sheer size and effort put into constructing these mounds highlight the significance of the deceased individuals or the collective memory associated with these burial sites.

Round Mounds and Monumentality in the British Neolithic and Beyond (Neolithic Studies Group Seminar Papers Book 10)

by John Keyser(Kindle Edition)

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Each round mound was a reflection of the Neolithic communities' cultural beliefs and practices. The shape of the mounds, with its symbolism of the circle and the cycle of life, represented their connection to the land and the surrounding natural world. The careful placement of grave goods within these mounds highlighted the belief in an afterlife and the provision of essential items for the journey to the other side.

The round mounds also served as landmarks in the landscape, providing a sense of identity and place for the communities that inhabited the region. These monuments were visible from a distance and would have acted as points of reference, shaping the relationship between people and their environment. It is believed that these monumental features had a social function, as they acted as meeting places or markers of territorial boundaries.

As time progressed and cultural practices evolved, the purpose and form of round mounds changed. During the Bronze Age, the focus shifted towards erecting stone circles and avenue monuments, although round mounds continued to be constructed in some areas. This transition marked a shift in belief systems and a new emphasis on alignments with celestial bodies and celestial events.

Today, the legacy of round mounds can still be observed across the British Isles. These ancient structures hold valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of our Neolithic ancestors. Archaeological excavations have revealed intricate burial practices, beautiful grave goods, and evidence of communal gatherings and rituals associated with these burial sites.

Visiting these round mounds allows us to connect with our ancient past and gain a deeper understanding of the people who once inhabited these landscapes. Whether it be the famous round barrows of Salisbury Plain or lesser-known sites tucked away in the countryside, each round mound tells a story of its own.

, the prevalence of round mounds in the British Neolithic and beyond speaks to the importance of monumentality in early human societies. These impressive structures served not only as burial sites but also as markers of identity, meeting places, and connections between the living and the deceased. The legacy of round mounds continues to captivate us, reminding us of the rich cultural heritage that shaped our present-day landscapes.

Round Mounds and Monumentality in the British Neolithic and Beyond (Neolithic Studies Group Seminar Papers Book 10)

by John Keyser(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18402 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

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This volume, the tenth published collection of seminar papers from the Neolithic Studies Group, is based upon a conference that took place at the British Museum in November 2008. The meeting aimed to consider: the chronology and development of Neolithic round mounds; their changing form and use; their relationships to contemporary cultural, ancestral and natural landscapes; the extent to which they provide scope for identifying local and regional social organization, and, not least, why they were round. Following the conference, further papers were offered for this edited volume, widening and broadening the initial discussion.

The papers are arranged in rough geographic order starting in the north and working southwards before heading across the Irish Sea and then the Atlantic. Following a wide-ranging discussion of round mounds across the world, two papers discuss aspects of Scottish round mounds, before moving down to the Isle of Man, the Neolithic round mounds of the Yorkshire Wolds, Liffs Low in the Derbyshire Peak District, and round mounds on the Cotswolds. The volume then moves to Wessex, starting with a discussion of Silbury Hill, and followed by a re-evaluation of the Great Barrow at Knowlton, Conquer Barrow at Mount Pleasant, and the Hatfield Barrow at Marden. How archaeologists and heritage managers choose to interpret round mounds is the subject of the next paper, using Silbury Hill as the primary case study. This is followed by a broad discussion of circular traditions, particularly formative henges, in Wales and adjacent counties, round burial mounds in the Boyne Valley, Ireland, such as Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange, and Irish round mounds containing portal tombs. By way of comparison with the evidence from the British Isles, the volume then crosses over to North America for a broad discussion of mound-building traditions there. Rounding off the volume is another wide-ranging essay on the nature of round mounds, which challenges our very understanding and interpretation of them.