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Cursus
A long, narrow earthwork enclosure,
unique to the British Isles, probably
used as a ceremonial route around
6,000 years ago. Now often difficult
to see except from the air, many
stretch for several kilometres.
Henge
A henge is a roughly circular or
oval-shaped flat area enclosed by
an earthwork, usually a ditch with
an external bank. Not found outside
Britain and Ireland. Often huge
and used, probably for ceremonial
purposes, around 5,000 years ago.
Hillfort
A hilltop defensive settlement. Most commonly late bronze age or iron age,
earliest dating from around 3,000 years ago. Characterised by massive and
often impressive earthwork ditches and banks.
Rock art – including
cup and ring marks
Ancient patterns and figures carved
into rock. Theories on seemingly
abstract patterns cause lively debate!
In Britain and Ireland, rock art
can be divided into 2 general categories:
'Passage grave' rock art of Ireland
and Scotland. Mainly geometric patterns
– spirals, waves and lozenges.
Also axehead depictions and sun
symbols. Examples at Newgrange,
Knowth and Ri Cruin. (Similar carvings
in tombs of Northern France and
at Stonehenge.)
'Open air' rock art. Found mostly
in Northern England, Scotland and
Ireland, usually on low, flat rocks
and outcrops. Often based on 'cupmarks'
– a (usually) small circular
depression, sometimes with one ring
or more (a surrounding circular
groove). Also 'grooves' (a meandering
line). Examples at Ilkley Moor,
Wooler and Kilmartin.
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