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Dorset
Aug 23, 2005 6:12:12 GMT -1
Post by Blackbird on Aug 23, 2005 6:12:12 GMT -1
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Dorset
Aug 24, 2005 7:29:42 GMT -1
Post by Blackbird on Aug 24, 2005 7:29:42 GMT -1
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Dorset
Sept 2, 2005 6:43:39 GMT -1
Post by Brochfael on Sept 2, 2005 6:43:39 GMT -1
I've never heard of Durotrigum. I'm fairly sure Dorchester was called Durnovaria, is that the same place?
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Dorset
Sept 16, 2005 14:59:17 GMT -1
Post by Blackbird on Sept 16, 2005 14:59:17 GMT -1
Yes, it is
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Dorset
Nov 15, 2005 12:54:18 GMT -1
Post by Blackbird on Nov 15, 2005 12:54:18 GMT -1
Maiden Castle. Maiden Castle is the largest pre-Roman fortress in Britain, being almost 47 acres in area and with banks 80 feet high in some places. 'Maiden' is from 'mai dun' - great fort (apparantly). In 43CE, the Romans led by Vespasian beseiged Maiden, eventually defeating the Durotriges that held it. The fort can be found a mile SW from Dorchester. More details here: www.britainexpress.com/counties/dorset/ancient/maiden-castle.htm
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Dorset
Nov 15, 2005 13:09:34 GMT -1
Post by Blackbird on Nov 15, 2005 13:09:34 GMT -1
And how could we forget the Cerne Abbas giant?! The first written record of the giant is from 1751 by the Dorset historian John Hutchins. He suggested that the figure had been cut in the 17th century. Despite this, its position near to an Iron age earthwork might suggest an earlier date. The figure does suggest Heracles, who is usually depicted with a club and lion skin - studies suggest that the skin may have become obscured over time. A popular theory is that the figure was created at the time of the Emperor Commodus (180-193CE), who believed himself to be a reincarnation of Hercules. Those who point to a later date argue that the figure cannot be ancient, as the monks from the monastery at the foot of the figure would surely not have tolerated its presence! Those suggesting an earlier date turn this around, pointing out that Christian sites were often founded upon places of pagan significance. Another recent theory is that the giant was created by a local landowner during the Civil War, and that it was intended to be a cariacature of Cromwell. (Cromwell's supporters often likened him to a Hercules) information here: www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/majorsites/cerne_abbass.htmlwww.museumofhoaxes.com/cerneabbas.htmlwww.britainexpress.com/counties/dorset/ancient/cerne-abbas.htm
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Dorset
Jan 31, 2006 14:55:56 GMT -1
Post by Brochfael on Jan 31, 2006 14:55:56 GMT -1
I'm doing a 10 minute oral presentation on Maiden Castle for my "Introducing British Archaeology" Module.
As well as the Iron Age (Durotrigian) hillfort, there is an earlier phase Iron Age fort, a Neolithic causwayed enclosure, a unique neolithic bank barrow and a Romano-British Temple.
Any more info on any of these or on Causwayed enclosures in general would be most welcome.
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