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Glandy Cross: A Later Prehistoric Monumental Complex in Carmarthenshire, Wales

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 February 2014

Trevor Kirk ,
George Williams ,
A. Caseldine ,
J. Crowther ,
I. Darke ,
T. Darvill ,
A. David ,
K. Murphy ,
P.A. Ward  and
J. Wilkinson
Trevor Kirk
Affiliation:
School of Archaeology, Trinity College, Carmarthen, Wales SA31 3EP
George Williams
Affiliation:
Dyfed Archaeological Trust, The Shire Hall, Carmarthen Street, Llandeilo, Wales SA19 6AF
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Abstract

Excavations at the Glandy Cross monumental complex during 1991 and 1992 formed part of an integrated programme of evaluation, rescue, and research by Dyfed Archaeological Trust (DAT). Enclosures, pit circles, standing stones, and cairns were excavated and their environs systematically surveyed. Radiocarbon dates show the monumental complex to have been constructed between c. 2190–1530 cal BC. However, the earliest activity at the site may date to c. 4470–4230 cal BC. A defended enclosure was constructed on the peripheries of the complex c. 830–510 cal BC.

The 1991–92 excavation results are presented along with a summary of survey, salvage, and research spanning the period 1981 to 1992. This new data set is tentatively interpreted in terms of historical process and the social practice of monumental construction. A brief commentary on heritage management at Glandy Cross is also presented.

A note on authorship: one of the authors (George Williams) directed the Glandy Cross excavations during 1991–92 and prepared an initial draft of the project report. Following his retirement from DAT a project editor (Trevor Kirk) was commissioned by Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments to guide the project towards publication. This paper was largely penned by the project editor, though the excavation and survey data were produced by George Williams and his fieldwork team. The excavation and survey archives are held at the offices of DAT.

Résumé

Les fouilles entreprises sur le site du complexe monumental de Glandy Cross en 1991 et 1992 font partie d'un programme intégral d'évaluation, de sauvetage et de recherches de la Société Archéologique de Dyfed (D.A.T.). On a fouillé des enclos, des cercles de fosses, des pierres dressées et des cairns et on a procédé à des levés de terrain systématiques de leurs environs. Des dates au radiocarbone montrent que le complexe monumental avait été construit entre environ 2190 et 1521 av. J.-C.en années calibrées. Il se peut cependant que le site ait été actif au plus tôt vers 4470–4230 av. J.-C. en années calibrées. Un enclos fortifié a été construit à la périphérie du complexe vers 830-510 av. J.-C.en années calibrées.

On présente les résultats des fouilles de 1991–1992, ainsi qu'un résumé de la prospection, du sauvetage et des recherches couvrant la période allant de 1981 à 1992. On a essayé d'offrir une interprétation de cette nouvelle banque de données en termes de processus historique et de pratiques sociales de la construction de monuments. On présente également un bref commentaire sur la gestion du patrimoine à Glandy Cross.

Zusammenfassung

Die Ausgrabungen im monumentalen Komplex von Glandy Cross während der Jahre 1991 und 1992 waren Bestandteil eines integrierten Programms vom Dyfed Archaeological Trust (DAT), das Auswertung, Rettungsgrabung und Forschung beinhaltete. Darin wurden Grabenanlagen, Grubenkreise, stehende Steine und Cairnsausgegraben, und ihre Umgebung systematisch mit Surveys untersucht. Radiocarbon Daten zeigen, daß der monumentale Komplex zwischen c. 2190–1530 cal BC errichtet wurde. Die früheste Belegung der Fundstelle liegt aber vielleicht schon zwischen c. 4470–4230 cal BC. Eine befestigte Grabenanlage wurde an der Peripherie des Komplexes c. 830–510 cal BC errichtet.

Die Ergebnisse der Ausgrabungen von 1991–1992 werden zusammen mit Survey, Notgrabung und Forschung, die sich über einen Zeitraum von 1981 bis 1992 erstrecken, dargestellt. Dieser neue Datensatz wird in bezug auf den historischen Prozess und den sozialen Brauch monumentaler Konstruktionen versuchsweise interpretiert. Es wird zusätzlich ein kurzer Kommentar zur Denkmalpflege in Glandy Cross präsentiert.

Resúmen

Las excavaciones en el complejo monumental de Glandy Cross durante 1991 y 1992 formaron parte de un programa integral de evaluación, rescate e investigación llevado a cabo por Dyfed Archaeological Trust (DAT). Se excavaron recintos, circuios de pozos, piedras erigidas y mojones de piedras y sus alrededores fueron reconocidos sistemática¬mente. Las dataciones al carbono-14 demuestran que el complejo monumental se construyó entre alrededor de 2.190–1.530 cal a.C. Sin embargo la actividad más temprana en el sitio puede que datarse alrededor de 4.470–4.230 cal a.C. Un recinto protegido se construyó en la periferia del complejo alrededor de 830–510 cal a.C.

Se presentan los resultados de las excavaciones de 1991–1992 junto con un resumen del reconocimiento de superficie, rescate e investigación que abarca desde 1981 a 1992. Esta nueva información se interpreta provisional¬mente en términos del proceso histórico y la práctica social de la construcción monumental. También se presenta un breve comentario sobre la gestión del patrimonio cultural en Glandy Cross.

Type
Research Article
Information
Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society , Volume 66 , 2000 , pp. 257 - 295
Copyright
Copyright © American Political Science Association 2000

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