" Fascinating history of Silbury Hill, Europe's largest prehistoric mound
" Offers a new and exciting theory of the construction of Neolithic monuments
" Foreword written by Sir David Attenborough
Silbury Hill in Wiltshire is the tallest prehistoric human-made mound in Europe, similar in size to some of the smaller Egyptian pyramids. This new book, from authors with unrivalled information and knowledge of Silbury Hill, sets out the archaeological story of Silbury: from an early recognition of its importance to antiquarian and archaeological investigations of the hill.
The book describes each event, setting it within its own historical and political context; the story of the monument hanging off the enigmatic and eccentric characters of the time. The collapse on the summit in 2000, leading to the opening of the hills famous tunnel in 2007 to much media fanfare, is covered. For the first time the results of the recent work are set out in detail, describing early activity on the site, the origins of the monument and the construction techniques used. Here, the authors propose a new theory of the process of construction and thus an new way of interpreting Neolithic monuments.
Vivid reconstruction drawings are used illustrate the authors' new interpretation of this iconic prehistoric monument. The book also describes how the monument was seen and used by later communities; from the Roman small town that grew up around the hill - the inhabitants quite literally living in its shadow; to medieval buildings on the summit. Finally, the book discusses what Silbury means to people today: its power and spirituality for locals, visitors, New Agers and Druids alike.
Extent: 160pp
Illustrations: 100 colour and b&w
Publish Date: October 2010