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Prehistoric
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About 500,000 BC to 42 AD
The Prehistoric period covers all the periods from the Palaeolithic to the end of the Iron Age. This is a time when people did not write anything down so there is no documentary evidence for archaeologists to look at. Instead, the archaeologists look at the material culture belonging to the people and the places where they lived for clues about their way of life.
The Prehistoric period is divided into the Early Prehistoric and Later Prehistoric. The Early Prehistoric period covers the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods. The Later Prehistoric period covers Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age times. more ->
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Iron Age
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About 800 BC to 43 AD
The Iron Age comes after the Bronze Age and before the Roman period. It is a time when people developed the skills and knowledge to work and use iron, hence the name ‘Iron Age’ which is given to this period. Iron is a much tougher and more durable metal than bronze but it also requires more skill to make objects from it. People continued to use bronze during this period. more ->
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HOUSE *
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A building for human habitation, especially a dwelling place. Use more specific type where known.
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SITE *
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Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible.
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BUILDING *
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A structure with a roof to provide shelter from the weather for occupants or contents. Use specific type where known.
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FOOTPRINT *
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An impression made in soft ground by a passing animal or human. The soft ground may have subsequently hardened.
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FEATURE *
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Areas of indeterminate function.
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CREMATORIUM *
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A building or site where bodies are burnt, and the ashes collected for burial or dispersal.
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ROUND *
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A small, Iron Age/Romano-British enclosed settlement found in South West England.
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WALL *
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An enclosing structure composed of bricks, stones or similar materials, laid in courses. Use specific type where known.
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DOMESTIC *
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This is the top term for the class. See DOMESTIC Class List for narrow terms.
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* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)