From Cave To Dolmen

Bringing together the scientific contributions of a wide panel of Sicilian and mainland Italian specialists in prehistory, this book focuses on the Sciacca region and its landscape which is extraordinarily rich in natural geological phenomena and associated archaeological activity.

When Western explorers first encountered dolmens in the Levant, they thought they had discovered the origins of a megalithic phenomenon that spread as far as the Atlantic coast. Although European dolmens are now considered an unrelated tradition, many researchers continue to approach dolmens in the Levant as part of a trans-regional phenomenon that spanned the Taurus mountains to the Arabian peninsula. By tightly defining the term 'dolmen' itself, this book brings these mysterious monuments into sharper focus. Drawing on historical, archaeological and geological sources, it is shown that dolmens in the Levant mostly concentrate in the eastern escarpment of the Jordan Rift Valley, and in the Galilean hills. They cluster near proto-urban settlements of the Early Bronze I period (3700–3000 BCE) in particular geological zones suitable for the extraction of megalithic slabs. Rather than approaching dolmens as a regional phenomenon, this book considers dolmens as part of a local burial tradition whose tomb forms varied depending on geological constraints. Dolmens in the Levant is essential for anyone interested in the rise of civilisations in the ancient Middle East, and particularly those who have wondered at the origins of these enigmatic burial monuments that dominate the landscape.

In 'Rude Stone Monuments in All Countries: Their Age and Uses', James Fergusson delves into the world of ancient stone structures found across the globe. Fergusson's comprehensive study explores the various types of megalithic monuments, from Stonehenge to the statues of Easter Island, shedding light on their age, purpose, and cultural significance. Written in a descriptive and analytical style, this book combines Fergusson's observations with historical context to provide a valuable resource for archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike. By examining the construction techniques and symbolic meanings behind these mysterious monuments, Fergusson offers a unique perspective on ancient civilizations and their architectural achievements. James Fergusson, a renowned architectural historian and archaeologist, brings his expertise to 'Rude Stone Monuments in All Countries', drawing on his travels and research to unravel the mysteries of these ancient structures. Fergusson's passion for uncovering the secrets of the past shines through in his meticulous examination of megalithic monuments, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology. I highly recommend 'Rude Stone Monuments in All Countries' to readers seeking a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations and their monumental achievements. Fergusson's insightful analysis and detailed descriptions provide a fascinating journey through the world of megalithic structures, offering a fresh perspective on the significance of these enigmatic landmarks.

In the myth and folklore of ancient European cultures and spiritual traditions, the longest night of the year, called Winter Solstice, was a time of transition during which people sought out personal renewal and rebirth. The Fires of Yule provides a template and a pattern for entering deeply into the Winter Solstice Season, experiencing it in poetic and transformative ways through a contemporary calendar called The Thirteen Dayes of Yule. Readers of The Fires of Yule will follow a pilgrim path of the Thirteen Dayes from 13 to 25 December, engaging in various myths, symbols, stories, and rituals associated with each day. Becoming practitioners of the Yule, deepening their experience of the Winter Solstice, they will move beyond the more banal and commercialized forms of the December holidays. The calendar of the Thirteen Dayes is sourced (historically) in Celtic myth and Paganism, as well as (imaginatively) in the lore of the Elves of ancient pre-Celtic worlds. This book brings together many of the best-known icons and customs of modern Christmas traditions, re-sourcing them in the light of a Pagan Hearth and offering touchstones for self-renewal at Winter Solstice. This revised edition of The Fires of Yule presents the mystic pattern of Thirteen Dayes in its fullest expression, narrated in the voice of a fictional character, Cornelius Whitsel, a student of religion and a Pagan spiritual director in the Keltelven Traditions who lives in the imagined landscape of Ross County, Pennsylvania. Cornelius has been a character in two of Montague Whitsels other books; Ham Farir: The Faring of Matthew Thorin Dier (2008) and Tales from the Seasons (2009). The Fires of Yule is the culmination of more than three decades of the authors devout engagement with the Yule and deep reflection on the nature of the Winter Solstice. Montague Whitsel has explored, studied and practiced Western spiritualities grounded in the Celtic, Neo-Pagan and Monastic traditions for more than 40 years.

The Rough Guide to Andalucia is the essential handbook to one of Europe's most vibrant destinations. Features include: - Full-colour section introducing Adalucia's highlights. - Incisive reviews of the best places to eat, sleep and drink, in every price range. - Comprehensive coverage of the region's spectacular attractions, from the stunning White Town of La Ronda to the remarkable prehistoric site of Los Millares. - Insider tips on where to find the best beaches and hikes. Expert background on Andalucia's history, culture and wildlife. - Maps and plans for every area.

In this book we offer an exciting new perspective on a distinctive form of megalithic monument that is found across most areas of northern Europe. In order to achieve this we have abandoned outmoded typological classifications and reintroduced the term ‘dolmen’ to embrace a range of sites that share a common form of megalithic architecture: the elevation and display of a substantial stone. By critically assessing the traditionally assigned role of these monuments and their architecture as megalithic tombs, the presence of the dead is reassessed and argued to form part of a process generating vibrancy to the materiality of the dolmen. As such this book argues that the megalithic architecture identified as a dolmen is not a chambered tomb at all but instead is a qualitatively different form of monument. We also provide an entirely different conception of the utility of this extraordinary megalithic architecture – one that seeks to emphasize its building as articulating discourses of wonder as a broad social strategy. In this respect it is important to remember that many of these monuments were erected very early in the Neolithic and as a consequence of new people entering new lands, or social transformation. In short, dolmens are monumental constructions employing experimental and emergent technologies to raise huge stones, which, once built, enchant those who come within their spaces. Our claim is that dolmens were megalithic installations of affect, magical and extraordinary in construction and strategically positioned to induce both drama and awe in their encounter.