Traces of numerous monuments previously unidentified have been discovered in a recent archaeological survey. Among these findings, five rare prehistoric structures were unearthed, believed to have served as pathways for the deceased into the afterlife. James O'Driscoll from the University of Aberdeen Department of Archaeology conducted the survey using LiDAR technology in the Baltinglass landscape of County Wicklow, Ireland.
The area is known for its plethora of prehistoric remains, and the results of the survey were published in the prestigious journal Antiquity. LiDAR, a remote-sensing technique, involves sending laser pulses towards the ground to create detailed 3D models of a specific landscape. This method is invaluable in mapping terrain features and uncovering hidden man-made structures that are not visible to the naked eye.
O'Driscoll, reflecting on his research, stated, "I have been studying the Baltinglass landscape for over ten years, and it was the focal point of my PhD research." He further explained, "While my doctoral work primarily focused on targeted geophysical surveys and excavations, a comprehensive topographical model of the landscape was lacking. Such a model would not only consolidate previous research efforts but also unveil new archaeological sites concealed beneath vegetation or erased by centuries of ploughing.
" The most remarkable discovery of the survey was the identification of a group of five unknown "cursus" monuments. Cursuses are monumental Neolithic structures resembling ditches or trenches found in Great Britain and Ireland. These prehistoric sites typically feature long, narrow earthwork enclosures.
O'Driscoll emphasized the rarity of these monuments in Ireland, with less than 20 documented instances, usually occurring in isolated pairs. The identification of five cursus monuments in Baltinglass marks the largest concentration of such sites in the country, underlining the significance of the findings. With the aid of the new LiDAR data, O'Driscoll observed that at least four of the newly uncovered cursus monuments were aligned with important solar events.
These celestial alignments were linked to agricultural cycles, as well as themes of death and rebirth, shedding light on the potential purpose of these enigmatic structures. O'Driscoll suggested that these monuments may have symbolized the journey of the deceased towards the celestial realms. "The function of these monuments has always been a topic of debate due to the lack of information," he explained."
However, considering that some of the Baltinglass sites are associated with burial practices, it is plausible that these cursus monuments served as ceremonial pathways for the dead, guiding them from the realm of the living to the afterlife." The newly discovered monuments in Baltinglass offer valuable insights into the prehistoric beliefs and practices of ancient societies. Through the innovative use of LiDAR technology, archaeologists like O'Driscoll continue to unravel the mysteries of the past, enriching our understanding of early civilizations.
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