The passage tombs of Knowth (Irish: Cnogba) are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Boyne Valley’. They are located within the bend of the River Boyne (Irish: Brú na Bóinne) in Co. Meath, about 8 km from the sea. The megalithic (Greek: mega [big] and lithos [stone]) passage tombs were built during the Neolithic (4000-2500 BC) and are among around 1,400 extant Neolithic tombs in Ireland. The three main Neolithic burial types are court, portal and passage tombs. A passage tomb consists “of a parallel-sided passage leading into a distinct chamber.” They usually contained more than one individual.
The Boyne Valley contains around forty passage tombs, the largest collection of megalithic art in Europe and has always been an ‘important ritual, social and economic centre for thousands of years.’ Knowth contains the biggest passage tombs in Europe. Long-term excavations were carried out by Professor George Eogan at Knowth from 1962 until the late 1990s.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Knowth, Co. Meath (Neolithic settlement and passage tombs)
- The Boyne Valley and Knowth's Significance
- Stages of Human Activity at Knowth
- Earlier "Western" Neolithic Complex
- Later "Western" Neolithic Complex
- Decorated Pottery Complex
- Passage Tomb Complex
- Funerary Practices at Knowth
- The Construction and Meaning of Passage Tombs
- Knowth West: The Largest Passage Tomb
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Neolithic settlement and passage tombs at Knowth, Co. Meath, Ireland. It explores the long history of human activity at the site, focusing on the prehistoric periods, particularly the Neolithic stages. The analysis investigates the evolution of settlement patterns, funerary practices, and the significance of the monumental passage tombs within their broader cultural context.
- The development of Neolithic settlements at Knowth.
- The evolution of burial rites and practices at Knowth.
- The social and cultural significance of the passage tombs.
- The relationship between settlement patterns and funerary practices.
- The material culture and technology reflected in the construction of the passage tombs.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Knowth, Co. Meath (Neolithic settlement and passage tombs): This introductory chapter sets the stage by introducing Knowth, its location within the Boyne Valley World Heritage Site, and its significance as one of the largest and most important Neolithic sites in Ireland. It outlines the types of Neolithic tombs, focusing on passage tombs and their characteristics. The chapter also briefly touches upon the long history of human activity at Knowth, from the Neolithic period to the medieval era, establishing the context for the more detailed analysis to follow.
The Boyne Valley and Knowth's Significance: This section highlights the Boyne Valley's importance as a center for ritual, social, and economic activity for millennia. It introduces the extensive long-term excavations at Knowth led by Professor George Eogan, providing a foundation for understanding the depth and scope of the archaeological work undertaken at the site. The chapter emphasizes Knowth's immense scale and the presence of both a large main mound and numerous satellite tombs.
Stages of Human Activity at Knowth: This chapter details the various stages of human activity at Knowth, starting with the pre-Bronze Age and continuing through different Neolithic phases. Each phase, such as the Earlier and Later "Western" Neolithic Complex and the Decorated Pottery Complex, is characterized by specific settlement patterns, pottery styles, and other archaeological finds. The chapter analyzes the transitions between these phases, suggesting potential influences from external factors and population movements. The development of agricultural practices and their impact on settlement are also discussed.
Funerary Practices at Knowth: This chapter focuses on the funerary practices at Knowth, which spanned approximately 300 years (3200-2900 BC). The analysis encompasses both cremation and inhumation, examining the different methods of deposition and the diversity in the treatment of remains. It explores the potential social implications, suggesting that burial within the passage tombs was likely a selective ritual, possibly limited to an elite group. The chapter considers various questions, such as whether there were culturally significant differences in cremation vs. inhumation and the meaning behind the different methods of deposit.
The Construction and Meaning of Passage Tombs: This chapter delves into the construction of the passage tombs, highlighting the immense scale and complexity of these structures. It discusses the likely social organization required to construct and maintain them, pointing towards a level of social complexity and resource management. The chapter explores the possible reasons behind the monumental nature of the tombs, suggesting that they went beyond purely functional burial places, serving as important parts of ritual and cultural practices, potentially linking the living with their ancestors through visibility within the landscape.
Knowth West: The Largest Passage Tomb: This chapter provides a detailed analysis of Knowth West, the largest passage tomb in the European Neolithic. It details its dimensions and construction, and describes the archaeological finds discovered within, including both cremated and unburnt human remains. The chapter interprets these findings within the broader context of Knowth's funerary practices and explores the potential significance of associated artifacts such as egg-shaped stones, interpreted as possible fertility symbols.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Neolithic, passage tombs, Knowth, Boyne Valley, Ireland, megalithic, burial rites, cremation, inhumation, settlement patterns, social organization, ritual, archaeology, prehistory, decorated pottery, Western Neolithic Complex.
Frequently Asked Questions: Knowth, Co. Meath (Neolithic settlement and passage tombs)
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Neolithic settlement and passage tombs at Knowth, County Meath, Ireland. It explores the long history of human activity at the site, focusing on the prehistoric periods, particularly the Neolithic stages. The analysis investigates the evolution of settlement patterns, funerary practices, and the significance of the monumental passage tombs within their broader cultural context.
What topics are covered in the document?
The document covers several key topics, including: the location and significance of Knowth within the Boyne Valley; the various stages of human activity at Knowth throughout the Neolithic period; the funerary practices, including cremation and inhumation; the construction and meaning of the passage tombs; a detailed analysis of Knowth West, the largest passage tomb; and the broader social, cultural, and technological aspects of the site.
What are the key themes explored?
Key themes explored include the development of Neolithic settlements at Knowth; the evolution of burial rites and practices; the social and cultural significance of the passage tombs; the relationship between settlement patterns and funerary practices; and the material culture and technology reflected in the construction of the passage tombs.
What is the significance of Knowth within the Boyne Valley?
Knowth is one of the largest and most important Neolithic sites in Ireland, located within the Boyne Valley World Heritage Site. The Boyne Valley is highlighted as a significant center for ritual, social, and economic activity for millennia. Knowth's immense scale, featuring a large main mound and numerous satellite tombs, underscores its importance.
What are the different stages of human activity at Knowth?
The document outlines several stages of human activity, including the Earlier and Later "Western" Neolithic Complex, the Decorated Pottery Complex, and the Passage Tomb Complex. Each phase is characterized by specific settlement patterns, pottery styles, and other archaeological finds. The transitions between these phases are analyzed, considering potential external influences and population movements.
What were the funerary practices at Knowth?
Funerary practices at Knowth, spanning approximately 300 years (3200-2900 BC), included both cremation and inhumation. The document examines the methods of deposition and the diversity in the treatment of remains, exploring potential social implications and suggesting that burial within the passage tombs was likely a selective ritual, possibly limited to an elite group.
How were the passage tombs constructed, and what is their meaning?
The construction of the passage tombs is detailed, highlighting their immense scale and complexity. The document discusses the social organization required for their construction and maintenance, suggesting a level of social complexity and resource management. The possible reasons behind their monumental nature are explored, suggesting they served as important parts of ritual and cultural practices, potentially linking the living with their ancestors.
What is the significance of Knowth West?
Knowth West is the largest passage tomb in the European Neolithic. The document provides a detailed analysis of its dimensions, construction, and archaeological finds, including cremated and unburnt human remains and artifacts such as egg-shaped stones, interpreted as possible fertility symbols. These findings are interpreted within the broader context of Knowth's funerary practices.
What are the key terms associated with Knowth and this study?
Key terms include Neolithic, passage tombs, Knowth, Boyne Valley, Ireland, megalithic, burial rites, cremation, inhumation, settlement patterns, social organization, ritual, archaeology, prehistory, decorated pottery, and Western Neolithic Complex.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2019, Ireland in Prehistory. Knowth, Co. Meath (Neolithic settlement and passage tombs), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1420582
