Avebury
Avebury
United Kingdom · Wiltshire, England
In brief
Archaeological excavations have taken place in the stone circles within the earth bank and ditch, and in associated areas. Alexander Keiller's excavations uncovered some of the stones buried in the Middle Ages.
What was found?
- 1Buried standing stones
Excavations uncovered stones that had been toppled and buried in the Middle Ages. Their rediscovery made it possible to understand the missing parts of the stone circles.
- 2Traces of a square stone arrangement
Excavation findings and ground-penetrating radar revealed a square arrangement within one of the inner circles that had previously held standing stones. According to researchers, this may be one of the site's early structures.
- 3Flint tools
Stone tools were found during the Avebury Down excavation east of the henge. These are evidence of long-term human activity around the monuments.
- 4Pottery fragments
Pottery fragments were recovered during the Avebury Down excavation. Together with other finds, they contribute to research into phases of settlement and use in the surrounding area.
- 5Pits and stakeholes
Pits and stakeholes were identified at Avebury Down. These traces show that buried remains of other activities also exist around the stone monuments.
What does it point to?
Avebury reveals a landscape used over a long period, where monuments are intertwined with traces of daily life. The large stone and earth arrangements indicate substantial organization of labor; according to researchers, the inner square arrangement suggests that the site has a more complex history than the circles visible today.
What did it teach us?
- It revealed a square monumental arrangement within one of the inner stone circles whose complete form had not previously been understood.
- It documented traces of use at Avebury Down extending from the Mesolithic period to the Bronze Age.
- It showed that part of the present appearance results from the excavation and re-erection of buried stones.
Images
Record
- Culture
- British Neolithic communities
- Team / historical
- Living with Monuments Project; University of Leicester, University of Southampton and National Trust
- Coordinates
- 51.4286°, -1.8542°
Sources
Nearby excavations
- —
- —
- 12.000
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