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This volume explores why natural places such as caves, mountains, springs and rivers assumed a sacred character in European prehistory, and how the evidence for this can be analysed in the field. It shows how established research on votive deposits, rock art and production sites can contribute to a more imaginative approach to the prehistoric landscape, and can even shed light on the origins of monumental architecture. The discussion is illustrated through a wide range of European examples, and three extended case studies.
An Archaeology of Natural Places extends the range of landscape studies and makes the results of modern research accessible to a wider audience, including students and academics, field archaeologists, and those working in heritage management.
List of contents
Part 1 Introductions; Chapter 1 In the cave of thunder; Chapter 2 Overworlds and underworlds; Chapter 3 Nature study; Part 2 Explorations; Chapter 4 Presenting arms; Chapter 5 Seeing through stone; Chapter 6 The movement of mountains; Chapter 7 The origin of spaces; Part 3 Interpretations; Chapter 8 The history of the world; Chapter 9 Walking on water; Chapter 10 A long-playing record;
About the author
Richard Bradley is Professor of Archaeology at Reading University. His main interests are prehistoric social and landscape archaeology and rock art. Among his recent books are The Significance of Monuments, Rock Art and the Prehistory of Atlantic Europeand Altering the Earth.
Summary
This work extends the range of landscape studies and makes the results of modern research accessible to a wider audience, including students and academics, field archaeologists, and those working in heritage management.
