Guide – Landscape Archaeology Introduction

Introduction to Landscape Archaeology: Understanding the Terrain of the Past

 Unlike traditional archaeology, which often focuses on individual sites or artifacts, landscape archaeology takes a broader view—examining the way entire landscapes were organized, used, and perceived by past societies. This approach allows us to uncover connections between different sites, understand the spatial relationships within a region, and gain insights into the environmental and social dynamics of ancient peoples.

In this series of articles, we will delve into the key concepts and methods used in landscape archaeology, with a special focus on the landscapes of the Iron Age and earlier periods. We will explore how the natural landscape, the positioning of monuments, and the use of features like water sources, roads, and fields all play a part in shaping human activity and culture.

Why Landscape Matters in Prehistoric Archaeology

For societies in the Iron Age and earlier, the landscape was not just a backdrop to daily life—it was a central component of how they understood the world. The placement of forts, settlements, burial sites, and sacred spaces was deeply influenced by the physical characteristics of the land. The topography, visibility, and accessibility of certain locations would have played a crucial role in decisions about where to build and why.

For example, many hillforts in Britain were placed on high ground, offering strategic advantages for defence and surveillance. Similarly, ancient ritual sites like henges or stone circles were often positioned in relation to important natural features such as rivers, mountains, or solar alignments, creating powerful symbolic connections between the landscape and the people who inhabited it.

In this context, landscape archaeology becomes a way to decode the interaction between people and their environment, revealing not just how ancient sites were used, but also how they were understood by those who lived in and around them.

Thornborough Henges: A Case Study in Landscape Interpretation

Throughout this series, we will use the Thornborough Henges, a remarkable prehistoric site in North Yorkshire, as an example to demonstrate some of the fundamental methods of landscape archaeology. The Thornborough Henges, consisting of three large earthworks arranged in a line, are a prime example of how the landscape was deliberately shaped for ritual purposes. The site is not just a collection of isolated monuments but part of a wider landscape network, where the positioning of the henges, their relationship to other features like nearby rivers, and their alignment with the surrounding topography tell a story of cultural and ceremonial significance.

By examining the Thornborough Henges, we will explore various methods used in landscape archaeology, such as:

• Site Surveying and Mapping: Understanding the spatial relationships between different sites and features in the landscape.
• Topographical Analysis: Analysing how the physical landscape influenced the placement and function of monuments.
• Photographic Research:
• Documentation Search and Analysis:
• Fieldwalking and local research:
• Geophysical Surveys: Using modern technology to uncover hidden structures or patterns that may not be visible on the surface.
• Visual and Symbolic Connections: Studying how monuments were deliberately placed to be visible from certain vantage points, or to align with celestial events.

As we move through the series, we will consider how these methods can be applied to other Iron Age and earlier sites, helping us to interpret not just what the landscape looked like, but how it was experienced, understood, and manipulated by the people who lived within it.

The Landscape of the Past: A Journey of Discovery

The landscape of the Iron Age and earlier is rich with history, but much of it remains hidden beneath the surface. Through landscape archaeology, we can uncover these secrets, revealing how people lived, thought, and interacted with their surroundings. By applying these methods and considering the landscape as a living, breathing component of human culture, we gain a deeper understanding of the past—and, ultimately, of ourselves.

Join us as we begin this journey into the landscape of the past, starting with the fascinating case of the Thornborough Henges. Through careful observation, innovative techniques, and a deeper appreciation for the environment, we will see how landscape archaeology offers a window into the lives of our prehistoric ancestors, shedding new light on the world they inhabited.

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