INTERVIEW: Professor Tim Darvill O.B.E. | New Narratives for the Neolithic

[@simonsmith9777]

This is now GOLD!

[@mixolydian2010]

Always remember years ago doing a small tour of Stonehenge, Avebury (my favourite place), Silbury Hill and West Kennet. They are all amazing places. We took turns being inside West Kennet on our own and it has an amazing atmosphere.

[@brianharroun7105]

Great interview!!!

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you very much. I was particularly interested in the section on Crickley Hill as I lived near there for many years and my son & his young family still do.

[@ivornelsson2238]

Dear Guys, I have studied Comparative Mythology for some 35 years and have the numerous cultural Stories of Creation as my specialty. Logically, the Creation Stories are connected to what is created and how it shows up in the daily and nocturnal scenarios. - It´s a long story which can be elaborated, but I claim these stories to be closely connected to the Milky Way as this was what our ancestors observed as the largest - at least physically. ------ First: I wonder why and how some of the Stonehenge construction was broken? I know from other cultural constructions that these were reconstructed, and I maybe have an idea why. --------- I have 3 basic ancestral cultural functions of calendars: 1) Based on the Earth rotation and orbital motion, concerning the 365.26 days motion. 2) Based on the starry motion, concerning a 360-degree cycle and the starry precession motion of 1 degree every 71,6 years. This would require a periodic movement of a further out landscape stone marking. Today, such a marking stone would have to be moved about 72 degrees. 3) Based on a starry guidance line and symbolism regarding the Milky Way center and the creation. Remarks. Ad. 1: If the inner Stonehenge ring specifically marks the solstices all way around, you automatically get the 356.26 days count as this cycle is based on the Earth rotation and orbital motion of the Earth. (I wonder if our ancestors at all marked days and weeks as we do today, but they surely marked the annual seasons very precisely with the Sarsen Stones). Ad. 2: The outer ring automatically also gives a full circle 360-degree confirmation of an orbital Starry Calendar with different annual constellations showing over a specific landscape marking stone. But such a starry landscape marking stone has to be moved 1 degree every 71.6 years compared to the solar solstice calendar system, because of the precession motion. Ad. 3: Which celestial object can be the ancestral cause of making the central Horseshoe stones? My guess based on Comparative Mythology and its Creation Stories, would be a symbolism pointing at the galactic scenario. (Maybe the “folkloristic tale of Giants” really hold waters? At least giants ARE referred to in the ancient cultural Myths of Creation). NOTE: I have posted a more elaborated and illustrated file via your website mail address and personally to Tim Darvill. Best Wishes Ivar Nielsen Comparative Mythologist Denmark

[@esthermcdonald2297]

Excellent interview. I learned a lot.

[@mythicalireland]

Enjoyed that thoroughly. Love hearing an archaeologist talk about the literary/mythic traditions of a monument!

[@janetmackinnon3411]

So interesting! Thank you.

[@TheDanEdwards]

Thanks for this. The section where Darvill discusses the planned freeway under the heritage site once again brings to fore the question of ethics. At least here in North America, archeology is often confronted with the problem of unearthing First People's remains, and give the near-history (genocide and all) there are tough questions about whether archeologists are denigrated other people's culture by disturbing the remains. While the henges and barrows that someone like Darvill may investigate might seem to avoid such issues, I do wonder if he has ethical questions about disturbing other people's ceremonial burials.

[@ThePrehistoryGuys]

Interesting question and one that we shall put to Tim and any other of our archaeologist friends whenever we get the chance. We cannot answer for TD of course but our own very brief take is that as far as the tunnel is concerned, it is unlikely that any burial remains will be disturbed. None of the known barrows will be disturbed (they were plundered in the 19th century anyway) and I don't think it is expected to uncover further burials. Can't rule it out though. As far as the greater ethical problem is concerned, because of the much greater time span involved, there is no sense of continuity of culture or belief to be upheld in the case of prehistoric remains this old. It is true that the modern Druid movement often make claim to rights over the practise of holding human remains in museums, but there is no connection between druidism and what was going on in the Neolithic and early Bronze Age so it is hard to uphold their case. For an overview of the standards that are maintained in the UK over these matters, the English Heritage webpage here might help historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/archaeological-science/human-remains-advice/ We don't know what the belief systems these people were adhering to were, so it would be hard to know how to honour them, I suppose. That said, I have been on an archaeological dig that was run by Tim Darvill and I can tell you that he is at all times insistent on respect for not only the remains of human beings if encountered, but the ground and structures that they may be buried in. M.

[@mikejurassic]

Hi, was this recorded before or after the courts judgement that threw out the tunnel idea - Tim was talking as if it is all going ahead - Is this the case? Cheers

[@ThePrehistoryGuys]

Yes, before - I mentioned that in the introduction. M. 😊

[@mikejurassic]

@@ThePrehistoryGuys Sorry - missed it - Baby-sitting granchilde - I'm not that good at multitasking I guess

[@b.griffin317]

Rupert's camera's autofocus betrays him.

[@RalphEllis]

Monmouth... In reality this story arrived in 1135, and is Norman in creation. It was brought back to northern Europe by the Templars (who returned to northern Europe in the 1120s), so this is predominantly a Near Eastern story. This is not so surprising, as the great hero of the Vulgate cycle of Arthurian legend (Lancelot Grail) is Joseph of Aramathaea (1st century). That is why the earliest statue of King Arthur is in Modena cathedral in Italy. That is why the Vulgate cycle and High History say that Arthurian legend was written by Josephus Flavius (1st century). Just as Joseph of Aramathaea is 1st century. That is why Wolfram von Eschenbach starts his story in Mesopotamia, with the father of Perceval being the senschal of King Barus. This is King Abgarus of Edessa (1st century). Arthurian history is not as commonly advertised. Regards the faience beads, it is likely that they came from Egypt. Do remember that the Labor Gabala and Scotichronicon say that Ireland was settled by Queen Scota of Egypt. In the historical record, she was Queen Ankhesenamun of the Amarna dynasty of Egypt. See books: Scota, Egyptian Queen of the Scots. The Grail Cypher. R.

[@ThePrehistoryGuys]

Thank you for the contribution Ralph. Much appreciated. M.

[@TheDanEdwards]

Seems like a lot of religious myth making.

[@evanhadkins5532]

Thanks. I'd never heard this.

[@margaretwebster2516]

Professor Mike Parker Pearson isn't exactly promoting this project.

[@kariannecrysler640]

I think Christianity has caused many X10 misinterpreted archaeological theories. It explains how people in the Middle Ages connect stone henge with Egypt. So glad for modern open minded scientists 😊

[@deormanrobey892]

🙂👍

[@denisparker8025]

I thought the blue stones came from a quarry in Wales and the other stones used at Stonehenge from a quarry to the north of the site. Tim’s suggestion that giant’s carried the stones from Africa rings unbelievable to me. By sea or land?

[@ThePrehistoryGuys]

You were right first time Denis. Tim is not of the opinion that giants carried the stones from Africa, he is reporting from Geoffrey of Monmouth's account and asking if there are any correlations in these stories as recounted from a mediaeval worldview. Obviously the stones didn't come from Africa, but rather than throwing the whole of the narrative out, what might it have been that was being reported that has been rendered fantastical by the inclusion of the exotic source for the stones? M.

[@denisparker8025]

@@ThePrehistoryGuys thanks for the speedy clarification Michael. Interesting stuff though, perhaps the tales came from knights returning from the Crusades? I must say I find the idea of a possible Egyptian connection to Ireland fascinating!

[@evanhadkins5532]

Why big stones from Africa? The pyramids?

[@3DSgeek]

The EU is not Europe.