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Questions and Answers
What is the name of the era marked by the appearance of farming communities in Ireland?
What is the name of the era marked by the appearance of farming communities in Ireland?
What is the characteristic feature of the entrance of court tombs?
What is the characteristic feature of the entrance of court tombs?
What type of remains are often found in the chambers of court tombs?
What type of remains are often found in the chambers of court tombs?
What is the name of the type of Megalithic tombs characterized by straight-sided chambers?
What is the name of the type of Megalithic tombs characterized by straight-sided chambers?
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What is the typical orientation of the tomb entrances in portal tombs?
What is the typical orientation of the tomb entrances in portal tombs?
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What is the name of the walls surrounding the chambers of court tombs?
What is the name of the walls surrounding the chambers of court tombs?
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What is the primary characteristic of wedge tombs in Ireland?
What is the primary characteristic of wedge tombs in Ireland?
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Which type of Megalithic tomb has the fewest number of examples in Leinster?
Which type of Megalithic tomb has the fewest number of examples in Leinster?
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What is the main purpose of studying Neolithic monuments and Megalithic tombs in Ireland?
What is the main purpose of studying Neolithic monuments and Megalithic tombs in Ireland?
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In which province are Portal Tombs most commonly found?
In which province are Portal Tombs most commonly found?
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What is the total number of Megalithic tombs recorded across Ireland?
What is the total number of Megalithic tombs recorded across Ireland?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of Megalithic tomb found in Ireland?
Which of the following is NOT a type of Megalithic tomb found in Ireland?
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Study Notes
Irish Archaeology: Neolithic Monuments and Megalithic Tombs
Introduction
Irish archaeology is a rich and fascinating subject that encompasses a variety of monument types and cultures, from the Neolithic period to the Iron Age. In this article, we will focus on the Neolithic monuments and Megalithic tombs found in Ireland, which are some of the earliest examples of monumental architecture in Europe. We will discuss the different types of Megalithic tombs, their distribution across the country, and their historical significance.
Neolithic Monuments
The Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, began around 3000 BCE in Ireland. This era is marked by the appearance of farming communities, which can be seen in the remains of long-barrow burial sites, such as court tombs and portal tombs.
Court Tombs
Court tombs, also known as lobster-claw cairns, are rectangular chambers with a low dry-stone wall surrounding them and tall orthostats at the ends. They have an east-facing entrance court that leads into the chambers, which are roofed by corbelling. The chambers may contain inhumations and cremated remains.
Portal Tombs
Portal tombs, also known as dolmens, are characterized by their straight-sided chambers and tall portal stones marking the entrance. The tomb entrances often face east towards the sunrise, although this is not always the case.
Megalithic Tombs
Megalithic tombs are a significant part of Ireland's archaeological heritage, with over 1,000 examples recorded across the country. These tombs are typically classified into four types: court cairns, passage tombs, portal tombs, and wedge tombs.
Passage Tombs
Passage tombs are large mounds of earth or stone with a narrow passage leading from the outside to a central chamber or chambers, such as Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth.
Wedge Tombs
Wedge tombs are characterized by their sloping roof and narrowing walls at one end, producing their characteristic wedge shape. They are primarily found in the west and north-west of Ireland.
Distribution by Province
The distribution of Megalithic tombs across Ireland is fairly even, with a significant number of tombs found in all provinces. The number and location of tombs in each province are recorded by the Irish National Monument Service (Republic of Ireland) and the Northern Ireland Sites & Monuments Record (Northern Ireland). The distribution of each type of tomb, by province, can be summarized as follows:
Tomb Type | Leinster | Munster | Connacht | Ulster |
---|---|---|---|---|
Court Tomb | 11 | 83 | 197 | 185 |
Passage Tomb | 89 | 9 | 90 | 37 |
Portal Tomb | 24 | 337 | 44 | 88 |
Wedge Tomb | 19 | 337 | 125 | 88 |
Conclusion
The Neolithic monuments and Megalithic tombs found in Ireland provide valuable insights into the country's ancient past. These structures showcase the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the people who built them and offer clues about their culture, beliefs, and way of life. By studying these monuments, we can better understand the history of Ireland and the role it played in the development of European civilization.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of Irish archaeology, delving into the history and significance of Neolithic monuments and Megalithic tombs found in Ireland, including court tombs, passage tombs, portal tombs, and wedge tombs.