|
Oblique aerial photograph
|
Oblique aerial photographs are taken at angles of less than 90 degrees to the ground. They are usually taken by a photographer through the window of an aeroplane. Oblique aerial photographs are particularly useful for identifying archaeological sites that survive as earthworks, standing monuments and cropmarks. See also vertical aerial photographs.
|
| back |
|
|
Cropmark
|
Cropmarks appear as light and dark marks in growing and ripening crops. These marks relate to differences in the soil below. For example, parched lines of grass may indicate stone walls. Crops that grow over stone features often ripen more quickly and are shorter than the surrounding crop. This is because there is less moisture in the soil where the wall lies.
more ->
|
| back |
|
|
Aerial Photograph
|
Aerial photographs are taken during an aerial survey, which involves looking at the ground from above. It is usually easier to see cropmarks and earthworks when they are viewed from above. Aerial photographs help archaeologists to record what they see and to identify new sites. There are two kinds of aerial photographs; oblique and vertical.
|
| back |
|
Modern
|
The Modern Period, about 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)
In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
more ->
|
| back |
|
|
Roman
|
About 43 AD to 409 AD (the 1st century AD to the 5th century AD)
The Roman period comes after the Iron Age and before the Saxon period.
The Roman period in Britain began in 43 AD when a Roman commander called Aulus Plautius invaded the south coast, near Kent. There were a series of skirmishes with the native Britons, who were defeated. In the months that followed, more Roman troops arrived and slowly moved westwards and northwards.
more ->
|
| back |
|
|
modern
|
About 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)
In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
more ->
|
| back |
|
SITE *
|
Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible.
|
| back |
|
|
CASTLE *
|
A fortress and dwelling, usually medieval in origin, and often consisting of a keep, curtain wall and towers etc.
|
| back |
|
|
VILLA *
|
A term for a type of house, with varying definitions according to period. Roman villas were high-status and usually associated with a rural estate, whereas Georgian and later period villas were often semi-detached, town houses.
|
| back |
|
|
LINEAR FEATURE *
|
A length of straight, curved or angled earthwork or cropmark of uncertain date or function.
|
| back |
|
|
FIELD *
|
An area of land, often enclosed, used for cultivation or the grazing of livestock.
|
| back |
|
|
DITCH *
|
A long and narrow hollow or trench dug in the ground, often used to carry water though it may be dry for much of the year.
|
| back |
|
|
TRACKWAY *
|
A pathway, not necessarily designed as such, beaten down by the feet of travellers.
|
| back |
|
|
FARM *
|
A tract of land, often including a farmhouse and ancillary buildings, used for the purpose of cultivation and the rearing of livestock, etc. Use more specific type where known.
|
| back |
* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)
