Neolithic Causewayed Enclosures Overview
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Questions and Answers

What were often located within the fenced enclosure of large posts?

  • Stone-set hearths (correct)
  • Human skulls
  • Ditches
  • Woodland snails

Which cultural artifact was found at Sarup Gamle Skole XII?

  • Human bones in a slab
  • A typical dolmen of the Funnel Beaker culture (correct)
  • A burial mound
  • A stone-set hearth

What could accumulate in the ditches due to environmental effects?

  • Debris from nearby forests
  • Plant roots from surrounding vegetation
  • Artifacts from ancient cultures
  • Layer of fine-grained silt (correct)

What phenomenon could cause rapid layering of silt in ditches?

<p>Strong winds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is uncertain regarding the ditches mentioned in the content?

<p>How long they remained open (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which site did shrubs grow in the ditches?

<p>Etton (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was notably found purposely broken at Sarup Gamle Skole XII?

<p>A funnel beaker (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which site had only one ditch profile with rapidly formed silt layers?

<p>Sarup (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary activity that often occurred in the ditches over time?

<p>Systematic backfilling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many times was re-cutting observed to occur in ditches, according to some sites?

<p>Three to four times (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What memory aspect is associated with the ditches mentioned in the content?

<p>Long-lived memory of their past activities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What style of depositions was observed during the excavations at Windmill Hill?

<p>A style dictating placement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where were banks identified in relation to the ditches?

<p>Both inner and outer sides at Windmill Hill (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a feature of sites like Sarup I and II regarding banks and ditches?

<p>There was insufficient room for large banks due to fenced enclosures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At the site of Crickley Hill, what did the banks resemble?

<p>Platforms placed inside the ditches (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process is compared to the activities of cutting and refilling ditches?

<p>Fieldwork using an ard (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term emphasizes that ditches are separate units within a system rather than one long ditch?

<p>System-ditches (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do the ditches in Germany often exhibit?

<p>They tend to be placed in concentric circles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typical dimensions did the original ditches have?

<p>1m deep, 2-4m wide, 5-7m long (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the pits found in some ditches likely associated with?

<p>Special finds like tools and pottery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can careful excavation help with understanding ditches?

<p>It can distinguish individual phases of re-cutting. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature can be found at several ditch sites?

<p>Platforms and specially dug shafts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the base of most ditches?

<p>It is horizontal and about 1m wide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was found at Sarup I regarding the ditches?

<p>Platforms and artifacts associated with the ditches (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the presumed height of the fences at Sarup I?

<p>1.5m (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of structure, similar to a house, has not been found in the interior area of these enclosures?

<p>Grubenhaus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where were ditches often located in some enclosures, indicating a connection between features?

<p>Inside the enclosures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which site is mentioned to have an enclosed area that can be as large as 120ha?

<p>Urmitz (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of features were most commonly produced in the interiors of these enclosures?

<p>Small pits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of deposit is found in pits and features within the interior of some sites?

<p>Special deposits of human bone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what sites were abundant finds found in the ditches but nothing in the interior?

<p>Chatenay, Gravon, Grisy, and Oham Hill (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unusual feature was uncovered at the Chasséen South site of Saint-Michel du Touch?

<p>A ‘Grubenhaus’-like structure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who authored a report on the excavation and survey of a Neolithic monument complex in Dorset, England?

<p>R.J. Mercer and F. Healy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which publication did Mordant and Mordant discuss Neolithic practices in Noyen-sur-Seine?

<p>Bulletin de la Société Préhistorique Française (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What subject did D. Mordant explore in the work titled 'Les rites de la mort'?

<p>Neolithic burial practices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of Neolithic structures are discussed by Oswald, Dyer, and Barber?

<p>Causewayed enclosures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which culture is associated with the publication 'Die europäische Perspektive' by J. Müller?

<p>Michelsberger Kultur (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main topic of the report authored by J.-G. Pariat?

<p>Non-sepulchral human remains (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the 'enceintes néolithiques' refer to in D. Mordant's 1988 study?

<p>Neolithic defensive structures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which report discusses the Neolithic cultures of the British Isles?

<p>The Neolithic Cultures of the British Isles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who authored the work titled 'The social archaeology of megalithic monuments'?

<p>Renfrew, C. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the report 'Etton. Excavations at a Neolithic causewayed enclosure near Maxey' published?

<p>1998 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization published the report on Neolithic causewayed enclosure at Staines, Surrey?

<p>Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What topic is covered in the work by Raetzel-Fabian, D. published in 2000?

<p>Architecture, ritual, and chronology of the late Neolithic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which author contributed to the study of animal bones from Michelsberger Erdwerke?

<p>Stephan, E. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main subject of the article 'Windmill Hill and Avebury' authored by Smith, I.F.?

<p>Excavations during 1925–1939 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of publication is 'Die Beusterburg' by Tackenberg, K.?

<p>Archaeological report (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the time frame of the excavations mentioned in the work by Robertson-Mackay, R.?

<p>1961-1963 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

System Ditches

Separate units within a larger system of ditches, not a single, continuous ditch.

Regional Differences in Ditch Systems

Variations in ditch layout, size, and shape appear across different areas (England, France, Germany).

Ditches in England

Often feature shorter ditches arranged in a continuous ring, joined by smaller ditches.

Ditches in Western France

Similar to English ditches, but with an extra "crab's claw" feature outside of the main ditch gaps.

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Ditches in Germany

Frequently united into larger segments and arranged in multiple concentric rows.

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Ditch Depth and Width

Typically 1m deep, 2-4m wide, 5-7m long, but variations exist (0.16m deep or over 2m deep).

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Re-Cutting of Ditches

Merging of smaller ditches into larger ones; resulting in irregular shapes, reflecting different construction phases.

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Features in Ditch Bases

Some ditch bases have pits, shafts, or platforms; often associated with artifacts (chisels, axes, pottery, bones, or burials).

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Artefacts in ditches

Objects found at the bottom of ditches were often quickly covered.

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Open ditches

Some ditches remained open for a while, allowing plants or snails to grow in them.

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Stone features

Stone hearths, replacements, and human remains were frequently found near/in ditches.

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Silt accumulation

Ditches could fill with fine soil (silt) washed or blown in. This could occur quickly.

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Sarup ditches

At Sarup, most ditches didn't have rapidly deposited layers of silt, unlike one.

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Rapid ditch filling

Some ditches were filled very quickly, potentially due to weather or human removal of soil.

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Open ditches (retained)

Some ditches were left open, and allowed plants to grow, as seen at Etton.

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Funnel Beaker culture

A culture that used a type of pottery and had a specific burial practice involving broken pottery in front of dolmens.

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Cultural remains in ditches

Cultural items could be incorporated into ditches during backfilling and re-cutting, providing valuable insights into past use.

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Frequency of re-cutting

Re-cutting occurred frequently in ditches, with multiple instances observed at different sites (e.g., up to eight times at Etton).

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Long-term ditch use

Memory of ditches and activities within them persisted for considerable periods, evident in repeated re-cutting.

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Deposition styles in ditches

Systematic ways of placing materials and objects within the ditches existed over time, observed in excavations.

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Ditches as activity areas

Ditches served as locations for ongoing activities like filling, re-cutting, and the deliberate placement of seeds, mimicking agricultural practices.

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Ditch banks

Some sites exhibited banks (raised structures) along or within the ditches, varying in size and position, depending on the site and surrounding features.

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Site-specific features

Ditch characteristics varied significantly between sites. Presence or absence of substantial banks was related to local conditions/features like surrounding enclosures.

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Enclosure Size

The enclosed area within a ditch system can vary greatly, ranging from 1 to 6 hectares (2.5 to 15 acres) but can be as large as 120 hectares (300 acres), as seen at the Michelsberg site.

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Enclosure Structure

Enclosures were constructed using various methods: fences made with separate posts or posts placed in a trench, ditches located either inside or outside the enclosure, and sometimes a palisade.

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Entrance Location

When an entrance was found in an enclosure, it always faced the inside of the site, suggesting a controlled entry point.

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Ditch Depth

Ditches used for enclosures were typically shallower than those for palisades. They are estimated to have been about 1.5 meters (5 feet) deep, approximately half the height of a palisade.

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Interior Features

While the interior of enclosures often contained few structures, some sites reveal a concentration of pits and small features, indicating localized activity, leaving the majority of the interior empty.

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Special Deposits in Pits

Many interior pits and features contained special deposits, which may have included human bones, tools, and other artifacts.

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Evidence of Structures?

While some enclosures have yielded structures like house-like features or burnt stone structures, most have produced very few, indicating a limited level of building activity within the enclosed area.

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Human Remains

At some sites, pits near enclosure ditches have contained human burials, suggesting significant use of these areas for rituals or communal activities.

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Hambledon Hill

A site in Dorset, England, with a complex of Neolithic monuments and surrounding landscape, excavated and surveyed by Mercer and Healy in 2008.

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Neolithic Monuments

Structures built during the Neolithic period (c. 10,000 - 2,000 BC), often with ceremonial or funerary purposes.

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Mordant's Work

Claude and Daniel Mordant researched Neolithic burial sites and enclosures in France, with a focus on the Seine Valley.

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Neolithic Enclosures

Stone or earth structures built in the Neolithic period, often serving as defensive barriers or ritual areas.

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Müller's Focus

Johannes Müller studied settlement patterns and earthwork features related to the Michelsberger Culture in Europe, particularly in Southeast and Central Europe.

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Causewayed Enclosures

Neolithic monuments in the British Isles consisting of circular or oval enclosures surrounded by ditches and causeways, investigated by Oswald, Dyer, and Barber in 2001.

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Human Remains in Non-Burial Contexts

Pariat investigated the presence of human remains outside of traditional burial sites in Europe during the 6th and 3rd millennia BC, potentially indicating different funerary practices.

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Piggott's Work

Stuart Piggott was known for his comprehensive work on Neolithic cultures in the British Isles, his research focused on the Neolithic period in the islands of Great Britain and Ireland.

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What is a Causewayed Enclosure?

A large, prehistoric monument constructed with a series of ditches and banks, usually circular or oval-shaped, and often found in Neolithic Europe.

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Where are Causewayed Enclosures Found?

They are primarily found in Great Britain, France and Germany, with a concentration in the British Isles.

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What Features Distinguish Causewayed Enclosures?

They feature ditches, banks, and sometimes mounds or platforms inside the enclosure. They often have internal ditch sections that are not continuous, creating a segmented or irregular shape.

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What is the Purpose of Causewayed Enclosures?

The exact purpose remains debated, but theories include ceremonial use, defense, or control of resources.

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What Evidence Exists for Causewayed Enclosures?

Excavations have revealed artifacts such as pottery, tools, and animal bones within the enclosures, providing insights into the activities and lifestyles of the people who built them.

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What is the Significance of Causewayed Enclosures?

They provide valuable evidence for the social, cultural, and technological advancements of Neolithic communities in Europe.

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Who are Important Researchers of Causewayed Enclosures?

Key researchers include Alexander Keiller, Ian Smith, and Francis Pryor, who have conducted extensive excavations and studies of these sites.

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What are Some Key Publications on Causewayed Enclosures?

Several publications offer valuable insights into the history of the enclosures, including Smith's 'Windmill Hill and Avebury' and Pryor's 'Etton: Excavations at a Neolithic causewayed enclosure near Maxey'.

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Study Notes

Causewayed Enclosures

  • Causewayed enclosures are Neolithic monuments, dating from the second half of the 5th millennium BC to the 4th millennium BC.
  • They consist of ditches, palisades, and occasionally banks.
  • Ditches and palisades are often re-cut and contain various materials: human skeletons/body parts, animals, pottery, tools, and evidence of fire.
  • These materials show signs of transformation like skeletonization, weathering, breakage, and burning.
  • Associations between causewayed enclosures and megalithic tombs have been noted in some areas.

Enclosure Layout

  • Causewayed enclosures vary in shape from circles, ovals, spirals to triangles and keyholes.
  • They are often located on slopes with a gradient of 5-10%, or even low points that may have been flooded.
  • Placement is not always the shortest distance between two points.
  • Some sites are near water sources, while others are further away.
  • Possible influences of land use or environmental conditions on site choice.

Enclosure Contents

  • The finds within causewayed enclosures typically involve purposeful selection (i.e bone fragments, pottery, tools, etc.) rather than random remains.
  • Human remains found are often disarticulated, with evidence of treatment prior to burial.
  • Animal bones are also frequently present and show signs of similar treatment to human remains.
  • Whole pots, deliberately placed upside down, are found in the enclosures.
  • Flint and stone tools are also found.

Causeways

  • Causewayed enclosures contain causeways, which are areas left undisturbed between the ditches.
  • Causeways vary significantly in width.
  • Some causeways may contain pits or trenches.
  • Causeways were sometimes re-cut.

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Neolithic Europe Causewayed Enclosures PDF

Description

Explore the fascinating Neolithic causewayed enclosures, notable for their ditches and palisades. This quiz delves into their varied layouts, transformational materials found within, and their connections to megalithic tombs. Learn about their significance in ancient landscapes and the environmental factors affecting their placement.

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