Thanks Swordmaker.
Posted on 06/29/2015 10:03:32 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Archaeologists from the University of Reading will start a three-year excavation on land between the prehistoric monuments of Stonehenge and Avenbury this summer.
Exploring the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire is expected to reveal more about the lives of the people who worshipped at Stonehenge.
The work will be done in collaboration with Historic England, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and Wiltshire Museum.
The site is a barely explored archaeological region of huge international importance. The project will investigate Marden Henge.
Built around 2400 BC Marden is the largest henge or Neolithic earthwork in the country and one of Britain’s most important but least understood prehistoric monuments.
Excavation within the henge will focus on the surface of a Neolithic building revealed during earlier excavations.
The people who used this building may even have lived at the time when Stonehenge was built.
Dr Jim Leary, from the University of Reading’s Department of Archaeology and Director of the Archaeology Field School, said: “This excavation is the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Stonehenge and its surrounds. The Vale of Pewsey is a relatively untouched archaeological treasure-chest under the shadow of one of the wonders of the world.
Mystery
“Why Stonehenge was built remains a mystery. How the giant stones were transported almost defy belief. It must have been an astonishing, perhaps frightening, sight. Using the latest survey, excavation and scientific techniques, the project will reveal priceless insight into the lives of those who witnessed its construction.
“Marden Henge is located on a line which connects Stonehenge and Avebury. This poses some fascinating questions. Were the three monuments competing against each other? Or were they used by the same communities but for different occasions and ceremonies? We hope to find out.”
The Vale of Pewsey is rich in Neolithic archaeology and home to a variety of other historical monuments, including Roman settlements, a deserted medieval village and post-medieval water meadows.
Other investigations along the River Avon will explore the vital role of the Vale’s environment throughout history.
Dr Leary continued: “One of the many wonderful opportunities this excavation presents is to reveal the secret of the vale itself. Communities throughout time settled and thrived there - a key aim of the dig is to further our understanding of how the use of the landscape evolved - from prehistory to history.”
"Little is known"
Duncan Wilson, Historic England chief executive, added: “Bigger than Avebury, ten times the size of Stonehenge and half way between the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Sites, comparatively little is known about this fascinating and ancient landscape. The work will help Historic England focus on identifying sites for protection and improved management, as well as adding a new dimension to our understanding of this important archaeological environment.”
The Vale of Pewsey excavation also marks the start of the new University of Reading archaeology field school.
Previously run at the Roman town site of Silchester, the field school will see archaeology students and enthusiasts from Reading and across the globe joining the excavation.
The six week dig began in the a week before summer solstice and runs until July 25.
Visitors are welcome to see the excavation in progress every day except Fridays, between 10am and 5pm. Groups must book in advance.
There will also be a chance for the public to visit the site at two open days on Saturday, July 4, and Saturday, July 18.
Ping!
Better do it now before the Muzzies fully take over England and destroy the artifacts.
Thanks Swordmaker.
or.....
people who worshipped = astronomers who studied
Yep, some pretty lame comments. What’s up with the lame-o who wants to visit Fridays? Do welfare queens not want to mess with their weekends?
;’)
Pictures and pages on Marden Henge, Avebury, Old Sarum, Silbury Hill, and Stonehenge, among others in Wiltshire [Stonehenge pictured]:
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