ABSTRACT

The Neolithic of Britain and Ireland provides a synthesis of this dynamic period of prehistory from the end of the Mesolithic through to the early Beaker period. Drawing on new excavations and the application of new scientific approaches to data from this period, this book considers both life and death in the Neolithic. It offers a clear and concise introduction to this period but with an emphasis on the wider and on-going research questions. It is an important text for students new to the study of this period of prehistory as well as acting as a reference for students and scholars already researching this area.

The book begins by considering the Mesolithic prelude, specifically the millennium prior to the start of the Neolithic in Britain and Ireland. It then goes on to consider what life was like for people at the time, alongside the monumental record and how people treated the dead. This is presented chronologically, with separate chapters on the early Neolithic, middle Neolithic, late Neolithic and early Beaker periods. Finally it considers future research priorities for the study of the Neolithic.

chapter 2|19 pages

Island life

Britain and Ireland in the late Mesolithic

chapter 3|19 pages

All change?

The Mesolithic–Neolithic transition in Britain and Ireland and its north-west European background

chapter 4|42 pages

A brave new world

Life in the early Neolithic of Britain and Ireland

chapter 5|49 pages

Of earth, bone, timber and stone

Mortuary practice and monumentality in the early Neolithic of Britain and Ireland

chapter 6|28 pages

Circles and lines

The middle Neolithic of Britain and Ireland

chapter 7|25 pages

Lines and landscapes of descent

Life in the late Neolithic of Britain and Ireland

chapter 8|43 pages

Constructing theatres in the round

Mortuary practice and monumentality in late Neolithic of Britain and Ireland

chapter 9|28 pages

Beakers, copper and bronze

Life and death at the end of the Neolithic and into the early Bronze Age

chapter 10|8 pages

The Neolithic of Britain and Ireland

A summary and future directions