Archaeology of Star Carr

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of Star Carr in archaeological studies?

It is the only site with evidence of permanent settlements in Britain.

It revealed the earliest known human remains in Britain.

It has led to a rethinking of Mesolithic hunter-gatherer lifestyles. (correct)

It is the first site to contain remnants of pottery.

What method did hunter-gatherers at Star Carr potentially use to attract deer?

Setting traps along known deer paths.

Burning nearby woodland to promote fresh grass growth. (correct)

Creating deer enclosures to manage the population.

Planting crops to feed the deer directly.

What type of artefacts were preserved in the peat at Star Carr?

Stone tools made from flint and points from animal antlers. (correct)

Metal artifacts, suggesting trade routes.

Predominantly wooden tools and clothing.

Artistic pendants and ceremonial objects.

When was Howick House radiocarbon dated to be constructed?

Around 7600 BCE. Signup and view all the answers

How big was Howick House, the most preserved Mesolithic house in Britain?

6 metres in diameter. Signup and view all the answers

What is one theory about the function of Star Carr?

It may have been a permanent habitation. Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is suggested that hunter-gatherers at Star Carr engaged in?

Deliberately burning woodland to attract wildlife. Signup and view all the answers

What type of artefact found at Star Carr is believed to be the oldest piece of art in Britain?

A pendant. Signup and view all the answers

Howick House is notable for being:

The best-preserved Mesolithic house in Britain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated date of construction for Howick House based on radiocarbon dating?

Around 7600 BCE. Signup and view all the answers

What material were many of the stone tools found at Star Carr made from?

Flints found on nearby beaches. Signup and view all the answers

The barbed points found at Star Carr were primarily made from which material?

Red deer antlers. Signup and view all the answers

What significant feature of Howick House was highlighted by its discovery?

It was well-preserved due to cliff erosion. Signup and view all the answers

What seasonal strategy did hunter-gatherers employ for deer hunting at Star Carr?

Collecting fresh ivy for feeding in colder months. Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the site led to the preservation of many artefacts at Star Carr?

The wet conditions due to the presence of peat. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Star Carr

Star Carr is a Mesolithic site in Britain, excavated since 1948.
Located on the shore of former Lake Pickering, it has shifted archaeological perspectives on the Mesolithic period.
The site features houses which may have been permanent residences, though some argue they were seasonal hunting camps.

Red Deer Hunting

Hunter-gatherers at Star Carr may have intentionally burned woodland to encourage deer grazing.
Evidence suggests they collected ivy in autumn and winter to attract deer, aiding in hunting.

Archaeological Discoveries at Star Carr

The site's wet conditions preserved numerous artifacts in peat.
A pendant discovered in 2015 is considered the oldest piece of art in Britain.
A wooden paddle indicates the use of canoes.
Numerous spear and arrow points made from red deer antlers have been unearthed.
Stone tools crafted from flints found on nearby beaches are prevalent.

Howick House

Howick House, discovered in 2000 in Northumberland, is considered the best-preserved Mesolithic house in Britain.
Radiocarbon dating places its construction around 7600 BCE.
The house measured 6 meters in diameter.

Star Carr

Star Carr is a Mesolithic site located in Britain, situated on the shore of what was once Lake Pickering.
Excavations have been ongoing since 1948.
The site contains a group of houses, with some archaeologists suggesting permanent occupation while others believe it was a seasonal hunting camp.

Red Deer

Evidence suggests hunter-gatherers at Star Carr deliberately burned woodland to encourage new grass growth, attracting deer.
They also strategically placed fresh ivy piles in autumn and winter to lure deer for hunting.

Peat

Due to the site's waterlogged environment, numerous artifacts are well-preserved in the peat.
Found in 2015, a pendant is considered to be the oldest piece of art discovered in Britain.
A wooden paddle found at Star Carr indicates the use of canoes.
Hundreds of spear and arrow points made from red deer antlers have been unearthed.
Many stone tools were crafted using flints sourced from nearby beaches.
Today, the area surrounding Star Carr still harbors evidence of its Mesolithic past.

Howick House

Discovered in 2000 near the Northumberland coast, Howick House has been deemed the best-preserved Mesolithic house in Britain.
Radiocarbon dating indicates construction around 7600 BCE.
The hut is estimated to have measured 6 meters in diameter.

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Description

Explore the significant Mesolithic site of Star Carr, where unique artifacts and structures have transformed our understanding of early hunter-gatherer societies in Britain. Discover findings like the oldest piece of art in Britain and methods used by ancient communities for hunting, including evidence of environmental manipulation.