Ringworks

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PeterH P
PeterH Aug 6, 2005 14:01:34
Replying to baza

...but language evolves and terms expand. "Henge" is an outdated and inaccurate misnomer hence my original question, ie could "ringwork" be a better, more descriptive term for the circular earthworks we currently call "henges".. Guess I'll just have to ask David Miles

We talk of Roman and Norman forts and of Iron Age hill forts so I see nothing to prohibit us from talking about Bronze Age ringworks as well as Norman ringworks - in archaeology, even the status quo shifts occasionally.

B baza
baza Aug 6, 2005 14:17:55
Replying to PeterH

Yes, I agree, language does evolve and terms do expand......and contract. I also agree that the word "Henge" should not have been utilised to describe the type of enclosure we're discussing. It's probably too late, now, to change. If we were to come up with a new term, then I don't think that "ringwork" should be it, because it's used for a different type of enclosure - defensive, or siege-works.

Baz