Tumulus
A tumulus (plural tumuli) is a mound of earth and stones raised over a grave or graves. Tumuli are also known as barrows or burial mounds and may be found throughout much of the world. A tumulus composed largely or entirely of stones is usually referred to as a cairn.
Examples of barrows include Duggleby Howe and Maes Howe.
In Britain, early references to tumuli were made by William Camden, John Aubrey, and William Stukeley. During the 19th Century in England the excavation of tumuli was a popular past time amongst the educated and wealthy middle classes who became known as "barrow-diggers". This leisure activity played a key role in laying the foundations for the scientific study of the prehistoric past in England.
Types of barrows
Archaeologists often classify tumuli according to their location, form, and date of construction. Some types are listed below:
List of notable barrow diggers
References
- Grinsell, L.V., 1936, The Ancient Burial-mounds of England. London: Methuen.
External links
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Referenced By
Art and architecture of Japan | Carnac | Japanese Art and Architecture | Japanese architecture | Japanese art | John Robert Mortimer
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