CAUSEWAYED CAMP Meaning and
Definition
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A causewayed camp refers to a type of prehistoric archaeological site that consists of a circular or oval area enclosed by one or more concentric circuits of ditches and/or banks. These ancient earthworks, which are most commonly found across Europe, date back to the Neolithic period, approximately 4000-2000 BC.
The term "causewayed" refers to the distinctive feature of causewayed camps - the presence of causeways or raised paths that traverse the ditches. These paths served as entrances and exits to the camps and were often constructed using a combination of digging and piling up material. It is believed that these causeways had symbolic and utilitarian purposes, allowing for controlled access and emphasizing the social boundaries of the enclosed space.
The purpose of causewayed camps is still a subject of debate among archaeologists. One prevailing theory is that they served as communal gathering places, possibly for trade, ritual ceremonies, or seasonal feasts. The camps often feature evidence of large-scale gatherings, including fragments of pottery, animal bones, and tools, suggesting that they were important hubs for social interaction.
Causewayed camps represent an important stage in the development of human settlement patterns during the Neolithic period, marking a shift from scattered hunter-gatherer communities towards more organized and sedentary societies. They provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and economic aspects of ancient communities, shedding light on their interaction with the landscape and each other.
Common Misspellings for CAUSEWAYED CAMP
- xausewayed camp
- vausewayed camp
- fausewayed camp
- dausewayed camp
- czusewayed camp
- csusewayed camp
- cwusewayed camp
- cqusewayed camp
- caysewayed camp
- cahsewayed camp
- cajsewayed camp
- caisewayed camp
- ca8sewayed camp
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- cauaewayed camp
- cauzewayed camp
- cauxewayed camp
- caudewayed camp
- caueewayed camp
- cauwewayed camp
Etymology of CAUSEWAYED CAMP
The word "causewayed camp" is believed to have its etymology rooted in the construction and purpose of the archaeological sites referred to as "causewayed camps".
The term "causewayed" refers to the presence of causeways, which are raised pathways or road-like features. In the context of causewayed camps, these causeways are typically found encircling the camp's perimeter. The word "causeway" itself originated from the Old French word "causée", meaning "raised road".
The term "camp", in this context, refers to a prehistoric settlement or encampment. It comes from the Latin word "castrum", which meant a fortified place or military encampment.
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