Cruciform passage grave
Cruciform passage graves describe a complex example of prehistoric passage grave found in Ireland, west Wales and Orkney and built during the later Neolithic, from around 3500 BC and later.[1]
They are distinguished by a long passage leading to a central chamber with a corbelled roof. From this, burial chambers extend in three directions, giving the overall impression in plan of a cross shape layout. Some examples have further sub-chambers leading off the three original chambers. The network of chambers is covered by a cairn and revetted with a kerb.[citation needed]
A common trait is megalithic art carved into the stones of the chambers' walls and roofs. Abstract designs were favoured, especially spirals and zig-zags.[citation needed]
Examples are Newgrange in Ireland,[citation needed] Maeshowe in Orkney[citation needed] and Barclodiad y Gawres in Anglesey.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Powell, T. G. E. (1938-12). "The Passage Graves of Ireland". Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society. 4 (2): 239–248. doi:10.1017/S0079497X00020892. ISSN 2050-2729.
{{cite journal}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Barclodiad y Gawres (Cadw)". VisitWales. 1 January 2000. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
 | This article relating to archaeology in the United Kingdom is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
  | This article relating to archaeology in Ireland is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |