Unraveling the Secrets of the Western Seaways: A Deep Dive into Excavation and Survey from 2008 to 2014

The Western Seaways of Britain have always been a fascinating and mysterious region. Stretching along the Atlantic coast, this vast area is known for its rich maritime history and countless hidden treasures. From shipwrecks to ancient settlements, the Western Seaways provide a unique opportunity for archaeologists to unravel the secrets of our past.

Between 2008 and 2014, several intensive excavation and survey projects were undertaken in the Western Seaways. These ambitious endeavors aimed to shed light on the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region. In this article, we will delve deep into the findings and discoveries made during this period, bringing to light the stories of forgotten civilizations.

The Remains of a Seafaring Past

Exploring the submerged landscapes of the Western Seaways posed numerous challenges for archaeologists. Yet, their determination to uncover the hidden remnants of past civilizations led to several remarkable discoveries. One of the notable finds was the wreckage of a Viking longship believed to have sunk during a fierce storm in the 9th century. This find provided valuable insights into the seafaring culture of the Vikings and their interactions with the local population.

Neolithic Stepping Stones: Excavation and survey within the western seaways of Britain, 2008-2014

by David M. Kennedy(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	60116 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	236 pages
Hardcover	:	224 pages
Item Weight	:	1.2 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.88 x 9.21 inches

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Another significant discovery was the uncovering of an ancient trading settlement that flourished along the coast during the Iron Age. Archaeologists excavated the remains of houses, workshops, and storage facilities, providing evidence of the maritime trade networks that once connected the Western Seaways to other parts of Europe.

A Glimpse into Prehistoric Life

The excavation and survey projects also shed light on the prehistoric inhabitants of the Western Seaways. Over the course of several years, archaeologists unearthed numerous ancient burial sites, revealing fascinating insights into burial customs and social structures of the past.

One of the most significant excavations was the discovery of a large burial mound dating back to the Neolithic period. This site contained multiple burial chambers, adorned with intricate carvings and artifacts. The findings not only provided evidence of religious and spiritual beliefs but also suggested a complex social hierarchy within these prehistoric communities.

Furthermore, the excavation of a Bronze Age settlement presented an exceptional opportunity to investigate daily life in this time period. The excavation revealed remnants of houses, tools, and pottery, offering glimpses into the daily routines, craftsmanship, and trade of Bronze Age communities.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Western Seaways

The survey efforts within the Western Seaways extended beyond the submerged landscapes, reaching the surrounding land areas and islands. These endeavors aimed to comprehensively understand the historical context and interactions between the inhabitants of the region.

Archaeologists explored the islands and coastal regions, unearthing a wealth of remains from different periods. From ancient hill forts to Roman settlements, the survey uncovered evidence of a diverse range of civilizations that left their mark on the Western Seaways over the centuries.

One of the most intriguing finds was the ruins of a medieval monastery nestled on a remote island. The excavation of the monastery unraveled stories of devotion, religious practices, and the challenges faced by the monks who inhabited this secluded sanctuary.

The Legacy of the Western Seaways Excavations

The excavation and survey projects conducted within the Western Seaways from 2008 to 2014 have undoubtedly contributed immensely to our understanding of the region's rich history. The discoveries made during this period have cemented the Western Seaways' importance as a significant maritime hub and a center of cultural exchange throughout the ages.

As we continue to explore and study the Western Seaways, we uncover more layers of forgotten civilizations and gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures that shaped our world. The ongoing efforts of archaeologists ensures that the legacy of this fascinating region will be preserved for future generations to marvel at.

Neolithic Stepping Stones: Excavation and survey within the western seaways of Britain, 2008-2014

by David M. Kennedy(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	60116 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	236 pages
Hardcover	:	224 pages
Item Weight	:	1.2 pounds
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.88 x 9.21 inches

FREE

The ‘western seaways’ are an arc of sea extending from the Channel Islands in the south, through the Isles of Scilly around to Orkney in the north. This maritime zone has long been seen as a crucial corridor of interaction during later prehistory. Connections across it potentially led, for example, to the eventual arrival of the Neolithic in Britain, almost 1000 years after it arrived on the near continent. This book’s primary focus is Early Neolithic settlement on islands within the ‘western seaways’ – sites that offer significant insight into the character of the Mesolithic–Neolithic transition in this particular maritime zone. It also explores a series of directly related, wider themes: the nature and effects of ‘island-ness’ in later prehistory; the visibility of material connections across the sea; the extent of Neolithic settlement variability across Britain; and the consequences of geographical biases in research for our understanding of the prehistoric past. At the heart of the book lie the results of three substantial excavations at L’Erée, Guernsey; Old Quay, St Martin’s (Isles of Scilly); and An Doirlinn, South Uist. Key findings include: the first major Mesolithic flint assemblage recovered from Scilly; one of the most extensively excavated and long-lasting Neolithic/Bronze Age occupation sites in the Channel Islands; the first substantial Neolithic settlement on Scilly; and the longest sequence of Neolithic/Early Bronze Age occupation on a single site from the Outer Hebrides. In order to contextualise the significance of these findings, we also present an extended discussion and broad synthesis of Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeology on each island group.