Sacral landscapes : narratives of the megalith in north western Europe
The construction of archaeological narrative is influenced by a number of factors. Some come from within disciplinary boundaries, whilst others are traced from the wider influences of social, cultural or academic contexts. This thesis examines three areas identified as Neolithic âlandscapesâ, all of which have been the subject of archaeological investigation since the 19th century. The history of research of these areas allows an evaluation of how these disparate influences interact. In this way, the three landscapes act as an arena in which to explore aspects of the archaeological approach itself. This leads to a critical examination of the interpretative tools available to the archaeologist. How concepts such as âlandscapeâ are formed and affect discourse is explored. Wider themes of demarcation, typology and the underlying assumptions of research are investigated in relation to the interpretation of the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of North Western Europe. The large span of time that these periods encompass allows exploration of change from the short to very long term, although this is not always utilised within archaeological accounts. The treatment of time is therefore considered in conjunction
Sanders, Jeffrey R.
Archaeology ; Neolithic
Sacral landscapes : narratives of the megalith in north western Europe. The construction of archaeological narrative is influenced by a number of factors. Some come from within disciplinary boundaries, whilst others are traced from the wider influences of social, cultural or academic contexts. This thesis examines three areas identified as Neolithic âlandscapesâ, all of which have been the subject of archaeological investigation since the 19th century. The history of research of these areas allows an evaluation of how these disparate influences interact. In this way, the three landscapes act as an arena in which to explore aspects of the archaeological approach itself. This leads to a critical examination of the interpretative tools available to the archaeologist. How concepts such as âlandscapeâ are formed and affect discourse is explored. Wider themes of demarcation, typology and the underlying assumptions of research are investigated in relation to the interpretation of the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of North Western Europe. The large span of time that these periods encompass allows exploration of change from the short to very long term, although this is not always utilised within archaeological accounts. The treatment of time is therefore considered in conjunction
sacral landscape narrative north_western europe construction archaeological narrative influence number_factor come within disciplinary boundary whilst others trace wide influence social_cultural academic_context examines three_area identify neolithic landscape subject archaeological_investigation since history area allow evaluation disparate influence interact way landscape act arena explore aspect archaeological itself lead critical_examination interpretative tool available archaeologist concept landscape form affect discourse explore wider_theme demarcation typology underlying assumption investigate relation interpretation_neolithic early_bronze_age north western_europe large span_time period encompass allow exploration change short_long term although always utilise within archaeological account treatment time therefore_consider conjunction