When a Waterhole is Full of Dung: An Illustration of the Importance of Environmental Evidence for Refining Archaeological Interpretation of Excavated Features

Buckland, Philip I.,Dr.1973-Umeå universitet,Miljöarkeologiska laboratoriet (författare)

When a Waterhole is Full of Dung : An Illustration of the Importance of Environmental Evidence for Refining Archaeological Interpretation of Excavated Features

Prehistoric field systems sometimes encompass excavated, pit-like features which are difficult to classify due to the complex stratigraphies resulting from reuse, infilling and collapse. They are frequently classified as wells and watering holes, but other potential uses for excavated depressions are rarely cited. We argue the need for environmental archaeology in the interpretation of features of this nature, and present a case study from a Bronze Age site at Pode Hole, near Peterborough (UK), where fossil insect material clearly contradicts the archaeological interpretation. We present empirical evidence for a sealed context filled with dung which cannot be interpreted as a water source. This evidence strongly contrasts with other superficially similar features at the site.

HUMANIORA Historia och arkeologi Arkeologi hsv//swe
HUMANITIES History and Archaeology Archaeology hsv//eng
LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER Annan lantbruksvetenskap Miljö- och naturvårdsvetenskap hsv//swe
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Other Agricultural Sciences Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use hsv//eng
NATURVETENSKAP Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap hsv//swe
NATURAL SCIENCES Earth and Related Environmental Sciences hsv//eng
waterhole
fossil insects
Bronze Age
environmental archaeology
dung pit
context interpretation
Coleoptera
Archaeology
arkeologi
environmental archaeology
miljöarkeologi
Entomology
entomologi
Quarternary Geology
kvartärgeologi
historisk geologi och paleontologi
Historical Geology and Paleontology

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