Exploring Megalithic Europe: Amazing Sites to See for Yourself

Abundant prehistoric remains survive in the wide landscapes of Europe, but none are arguably as fascinating or awe-inspiring as the “megalithic” (after the Greek megas: great, and lithos: stone) monuments built by the people who lived here during the three hugely important periods of European prehistory known respectively as the Neolithic, the Copper Age, and the Bronze Age. These huge, prehistoric stone structures can still be found scattered in their thousands across Europe and provide a tentative but evocative link to their builders, and to Europe’s distant past. From the Mediterranean islands to the colder climes of Scandinavia, Exploring Megalithic Europe takes readers to many European countries, examining both famous and lesser-known megalithic monuments and looking at what insights these remarkable reminders of prehistoric life may provide into the ancient communities responsible for their construction.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1. An Introduction to Megalithic Europe Chapter 2. The Heartland of Megalithic Europe Chapter 3. French and Swiss Megalithic Tombs Chapter 4. Megalithic Iberia Chapter 5. Megaliths of the Mediterranean Islands Chapter 6. The Stone Circles of Britain and Ireland Chapter 7. Stonehenge and Avebury Chapter 8. English Megalithic Tombs Chapter 9. Welsh Megalithic Tombs Chapter 10. Irish Megalithic Tombs Chapter 11. Scottish Megalithic Tombs Chapter 12. Megalithic Germany and Holland Chapter 13. Megalithic Scandinavia

About the Author :
Julian Heath earned both bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in archaeology at the University of Liverpool. He specialized in the prehistoric archaeology of western Europe and Egyptology. Since leaving university, he has gone on to publish and illustrate several books on prehistoric Archaeology/Egyptology such as: Life in Copper Age Britain, Warfare in Neolithic Europe, Sacred Circles, Archaeological Hotspot Egypt. He has also contributed articles to Ancient Egypt magazine. Heath contributed illustrations to the British Museum’s Dictionary of Ancient Egypt and two children’s books (Stories from Ancient Egypt & Stories from Ancient Greece and Rome) written by the respected Egyptologist and author, Joyce Tyldesley. He has also worked as a finds illustrator (this involves the accurate drawing of ancient artefacts for publication, following set technical conventions) with Liverpool University missions to sites in Egypt.

Review :
In this new publication, Julian Heath presents a guide to the impressive stone structures created in the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Bronze Age, which dominate landscapes in many parts of Europe, bringing to life the world of the prehistoric people who once inhabited them. The megaliths are divided by region, beginning with Brittany, and ranging from Mediterranean islands to Scandinavia. Heath introduces a selection of both well-known and more obscure monuments, choosing examples that allow for a discussion of wider themes. The context in which the megaliths were constructed is also considered, highlighting what they can tell us about the societies that created them, whether this is where the material was sourced, the possible belief systems of the builders, or what the construction may indicate about societal organisation. This volume is well-illustrated and includes many ideas about interpretations and the folklore associated with the megaliths alongside the academic research and scientific data, offering a detailed introduction to Megalithic Europe while remaining accessible and engaging for a general readership A wonderful guide. . . intelligently and cogently written . . . If you are traveling anywhere in Europe, this book will convince you to go visit [the sites] yourself! This well-crafted book is an invaluable companion for anyone researching the ritual lives of our European Neolithic and Bronze Age ancestors. Julian Heath brings together all the major megalithic sites in one very informative volume; ideal for scholars and those researching our distant heritage. The creation of monuments is one of the most important aspects of life in prehistoric societies. Julian Heath’s book offers a broadly accessible guide to the amazing megalithic monuments of our European ancestors and covers numerous sites.Exploring Megalithic Europe is a valuable companion to all readers interested in our prehistoric past.