An archaeological field survey of part of the Black Mountain in south-east Dyfed : a contribution to the interpretation of economy and settlement in the region from prehistory to the early modern period
A survey of archaeological sites was carried out across 60 km2 of the Black Mountain in south-east Dyfed, an upland common. These are described and placed in a putative chronological sequence against a palaeo-environmental backcloth. Sepulchral cairns are the earliest sites recorded, probably belonging to the early second millennium bc. House circles and homesteads may date to later prehistory and the early proto-historic period, while numerous rectangular foundations are probably the remains of Medieval, possibly later Medieval, settlement. Boundaries partition part of the landscape and there are stone clearance heaps and strips. Land-use is discussed up until the early Post-Medieval period, taking account of both the monuments and the palaeo-environmental data and informed by definition of some parameters within which exploitation of upland environments can take place. Seasonality of resources, the importance of the wider region and the requirements for mobility are amongst the factors considered. The historical model of transhumance which is frequently applied to the Welsh uplands is examined. Periodic hunting, gathering and husbandry is suggested in the area prior to c. 2000 bc after which perceptions
Ward, Anthony H.
DA Great Britain
An archaeological field survey of part of the Black Mountain in south-east Dyfed : a contribution to the interpretation of economy and settlement in the region from prehistory to the early modern period. A survey of archaeological sites was carried out across 60 km2 of the Black Mountain in south-east Dyfed, an upland common. These are described and placed in a putative chronological sequence against a palaeo-environmental backcloth. Sepulchral cairns are the earliest sites recorded, probably belonging to the early second millennium bc. House circles and homesteads may date to later prehistory and the early proto-historic period, while numerous rectangular foundations are probably the remains of Medieval, possibly later Medieval, settlement. Boundaries partition part of the landscape and there are stone clearance heaps and strips. Land-use is discussed up until the early Post-Medieval period, taking account of both the monuments and the palaeo-environmental data and informed by definition of some parameters within which exploitation of upland environments can take place. Seasonality of resources, the importance of the wider region and the requirements for mobility are amongst the factors considered. The historical model of transhumance which is frequently applied to the Welsh uplands is examined. Periodic hunting, gathering and husbandry is suggested in the area prior to c. 2000 bc after which perceptions
archaeological field_survey part black mountain south_east interpretation economy settlement region prehistory early_modern_period survey archaeological_site carry across black mountain south_east upland common described place putative chronological_sequence palaeo environmental early site record probably belong house circle may date later_prehistory early proto historic_period numerous rectangular foundation probably remain medieval possibly later_medieval settlement boundaries partition part landscape stone clearance strip land_use discuss early post_medieval_period take_account monument palaeo environmental_data inform definition parameter within exploitation upland environment take_place seasonality resource importance wider_region requirement mobility amongst factor consider historical model transhumance frequently apply welsh upland examine periodic hunting gather husbandry suggest area prior perception