Subject
Megalithic monuments -- Great Britain Books
Best books
Llewellynn Frederick William Jewitt
Grave-mounds and Their Contents A Manual of Archæology, as Exemplified in the Burials of the Celtic, the Romano-British, and the Anglo-Saxon Periods
"Grave-mounds and Their Contents" by Llewellynn Frederick William Jewitt is a manual of archaeology written in the late 19th century. The book explores the burial practices of the ancient Celtic, Romano-British, and Anglo-Saxon peoples, focusing on the significant insights provided by grave-mounds, their structures, and the artifacts found within them. It aims to offer a detailed understanding of the historical importance of these burial practices and their contents in informing us about early societies in Britain. The opening of the text sets a foundational overview of the significance of grave-mounds in understanding the arts, habits, and histories of past civilizations. Jewitt discusses how these mounds, known variably as barrows, tumps, or lows, serve as crucial links to knowledge about ancient cultures and their burial customs. He explains the various forms and typical locations of these mounds, emphasizing their burial practices, which include both inhumation and cremation, as well as describing the relics unearthed in these settings that illuminate the daily lives, beliefs, and skillsets of these early inhabitants.
Alfred Watkins
Early British trackways, moats, mounds, camps, and sites
"Early British Trackways, Moats, Mounds, Camps, and Sites" by Alfred Watkins is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book meticulously investigates the ancient trackways and associated structures in Britain, delving into their design and function from prehistoric times through the Roman occupation. Watkins proposes a systematic approach to understanding how these features were interconnected and the implications of their layouts for early human activity and navigation. At the start of the work, the author reflects on the prevailing misconceptions surrounding the study of ancient trackways, highlighting the need for new evidence and methods to uncover their true nature. He outlines how his exploration of maps and field observations led to the discovery of sighting lines linking various structures, such as mounds, moats, and churches. Watkins calls upon readers to engage in their own investigations, providing a rationale grounded in physical evidence and urging a collaborative effort to re-evaluate previous conclusions held by antiquarians. This opening portion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of how these ancient routes and landmarks are aligned in ways that reveal a sophisticated planning system employed by early Britons.
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