Overview

Abundant prehistoric remains survive in the wide landscapes of Europe, but none are arguably as fascinating or awe-inspiring as the “megalithic” (after the Greek megas: great, and lithos: stone) monuments built by the people who lived here during the three hugely important periods of European prehistory known respectively as the Neolithic, the Copper Age, and the Bronze Age. These huge, prehistoric stone structures can still be found scattered in their thousands across Europe and provide a tentative but evocative link to their builders, and to Europe’s distant past. From the Mediterranean islands to the colder climes of Scandinavia, Exploring Megalithic Europe takes readers to many European countries, examining both famous and lesser-known megalithic monuments and looking at what insights these remarkable reminders of prehistoric life may provide into the ancient communities responsible for their construction.

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9781538120910

Table of Contents

Reviews

This well-crafted book is an invaluable companion for anyone researching the ritual lives of our European Neolithic and Bronze Age ancestors. Julian Heath brings together all the major megalithic sites in one very informative volume; ideal for scholars and those researching our distant heritage. -- George Nash, Geosciences Centre, IPT, Coimbra University, Portugal The creation of monuments is one of the most important aspects of life in prehistoric societies. Julian Heath's book offers a broadly accessible guide to the amazing megalithic monuments of our European ancestors and covers numerous sites. Exploring Megalithic Europe is a valuable companion to all readers interested in our prehistoric past. -- Dr. Jan Turek, Center for Theoretical Studies, Charles University, Prague, Editor-in-chief of Archaeologies-Journal of the World Archaeological Congress

Author Information

Julian Heath earned both bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in archaeology at the University of Liverpool. He specialized in the prehistoric archaeology of western Europe and Egyptology. Since leaving university, he has gone on to publish and illustrate several books on prehistoric Archaeology/Egyptology such as: Life in Copper Age Britain, Warfare in Neolithic Europe, Sacred Circles, Archaeological Hotspot Egypt. He has also contributed articles to Ancient Egypt magazine. Heath contributed illustrations to the British Museum’s Dictionary of Ancient Egypt and two children’s books (Stories from Ancient Egypt & Stories from Ancient Greece and Rome) written by the respected Egyptologist and author, Joyce Tyldesley. He has also worked as a finds illustrator (this involves the accurate drawing of ancient artefacts for publication, following set technical conventions) with Liverpool University missions to sites in Egypt.

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