Start Date
12 February, 2025
There will be 8 weekly meetings on Wednesday, 11am - 1pm, starting from 12 February.
Overview
This module will provide an introduction to prehistoric Britain by examining significant points in the development of early human societies, including the earliest appearance of Homo sapiens, and the introduction of agriculture and metal working. Case studies will be used to explore the changing landscapes, mortuary practices and settlement evidence from almost one million years ago to the end of the Iron Age and the coming of the Romans. It explores the movements of people, objects and practices that shaped British prehistory. From the lives of Ice Age hunter-gatherers, to the monuments built by the first farmers, the spectacular burials of the Bronze Age and the art of the ‘Celts’, this unit examines the rich variety of evidence which can be used to reconstruct aspects of life and death in prehistory, including diet, mortuary and ceremonial practice, material culture, technological innovation, houses, settlements and landscapes. The module will introduce a broad range of archaeological sites and finds and will outline some of the key ways in which these have been interpreted.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify and present the key types of sites, artefacts and monuments that characterise British prehistoric archaeology.
- Describe how prehistoric landscapes and the populations these supported changed from the coming of humans to the arrival of the Romans.
- Consider how the evidence has been employed to reconstruct and understand the character and organisation of past societies.
- Critically assess the variety of models developed to explain social and economic change over the period.
- Evaluate current debates regarding the interpretation of significant sites and monuments.
- Illustrate how new discoveries alter our understanding of the prehistoric past.
No prior experience required - all welcome!
Syllabus
- Human Activity in Britain in the Palaeolithic: evidence and problems
- The Evidence for Mesolithic People in Britain and their Way of Life
- Neolithic Burial Monuments in Britain
- Interpreting the 'Beaker' Phenomenon
- Ritual Monuments of the later Neolithic and Early Bronze Age: the society of their builders and users, the nature of their beliefs
- Developments in bronze implements through the Bronze Age
- The Iron Age in Britain: the main features
- Hill-forts and Brochs: strengths and weaknesses
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: Jonty Trigg
Jonathan Trigg FSA Scot has taught for many years at the University of Liverpool and also at the University of Glasgow, and has authored articles on lithics, the Beaker Culture and the history of prehistory. He has conducted research relating to Britain and further beyond, and is currently directing fieldwork on the Wirral, researching the prehistory of Aberdeenshire and is an administrator of the Histories of Archaeology Research Network.
Courses fees: Full fee £125/Concession £65.
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