Tumulus

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A tumulus (plural tumuli) is a mound of earth and stones thrown up 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.

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.

Types of barrows[edit | edit source]

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

List of notable barrow diggers[edit | edit source]


References[edit | edit source]

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

External links[edit | edit source]


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