Tumulus

A tumulus (plural tumuli) is a mound of earth and stones raised over a grave or graves. Tumuli are also known as barrows or burial mounds and may be found throughout much of the world. A tumulus composed largely or entirely of stones is usually referred to as a cairn.

Examples of barrows include Duggleby Howe and Maes Howe.

In Britain, early references to tumuli were made by William Camden, John Aubrey, and William Stukeley. During the 19th Century in England the excavation of tumuli was a popular past time amongst the educated and wealthy middle classes who became known as "barrow-diggers". This leisure activity played a key role in laying the foundations for the scientific study of the prehistoric past in England.

Table of contents

1 Types of barrows 2 List of notable barrow diggers 3 References 4 External links

Types of barrows

Archaeologists often classify tumuli according to their location, form, and date of construction. Some types are listed below:

• Bank barrow
• Bell barrow
• Bowl barrow
• D-shaped barrow
• Fancy barrow
• Long barrow
• Pond barrow
• Round barrow
• Saucer barrow
• Square barrow

List of notable barrow diggers

• Thomas Bateman
• Sir Richard Colt Hoare
• William Cunnington
• Rev. Bryan Faussett
• Canon William Greenwell
• Llewellyn Jewitt
• Rev. W. C. Lukis
• John Robert Mortimer
• Augustus Pitt Rivers
• John Thurman
• Charles Warne

References

• Grinsell, L.V., 1936, The Ancient Burial-mounds of England. London: Methuen.

External links

• English Heritage Monument Class Descriptions

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