Earthwork (archaeology)
In archaeology, earthwork is a general term to describe artificial changes in land level. Earthworks are often known colloquially as 'lumps and bumps'. Earthworks can themselves be archaeological features or they can show features beneath the surface.[1]
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[edit] Types of earthwork
Earthworks of interest to archaeologists include hillforts, henges, mounds, platform mounds, effigy mounds, enclosures, long barrows, tumuli, ridge and furrow, mottes, round barrows and other tombs.[2] Earthworks from deserted medieval villages can be used to determine the location, size, and layout of lost settlements.
[edit] Size of earthworks
Earthworks can vary in height from a few centimetres to the size of Silbury Hill at 40 metres (130 ft). They can date from the neolithic through to last week. They can stretch for many tens of kilometres, e.g. Offa's Dyke and Antonine Wall, In area they can cover many hectares - for example, Maiden Castle, which is 19 hectares (47 acres).
[edit] Detecting earthworks
Shallow earthworks are often more visible as cropmarks or in aerial photographs if taken when the sun is low in the sky and shadows are more pronounced.[3] Similarly, earthworks may be more visible after a frost or a light dusting of snow.[4] An accurate survey of the earthworks can enable them to be interpreted without the need for excavation.[5]
Earthworks can be detected an plotted using Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR). This technique is particularly useful for mapping small variations in land height that would be difficult to detect by eye. It can be used to map features beneath forest canopy[6] and for features hidden by other vegetation. LIDAR results can be input into a Geographic Information System (GIS) which can then produce three dimensional representations of the earthworks.
[edit] Gallery
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An 11th-century hill fort
Bielsko-Biała, Poland -
An 12th-century Motte-and-bailey
Château de Gisors in Eure, France -
An Adena tumulus or burial mound
Grave Creek Mound in West Virginia, U.S.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Muir, 77
- ^ Wood, 85–96; see also: excavation
- ^ Wilson, 38
- ^ Aston, 14
- ^ Taylor, 59–60
- ^ EID; crater beneath canopy
[edit] References
- Aston, Mick (2002) Interpreting the Landscape, Tempus, ISBN 07524 2520X
- Muir, Richard (2004) Landscape Encyclopedia, Bollington, Cheshire: Windgather, ISBN 0-9545575-0-6
- Taylor, Christopher (1974) Fieldwork in Medieval Archaeology, London: Batsford, ISBN 0-7134-2850-3
- Wilson, D.R. (2000) Air Photo Interpretation for Archaeologists, 2nd ed., Stroud: Tempus, ISBN 0-7524-1498-4
- Wood, Eric (1975) Collins Field Guide to Archaeology, 4th ed., London: Collins, ISBN 0-00-219168-7
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