Butte-Upper Rock-Cut Complex
Late Bronze Age (1550–1050 BCE)·Late Bronze Age·🇦🇺 New South Wales, Australia
About
About Butte-Upper Rock-Cut Complex
Butte-Upper Rock-Cut Complex in New South Wales, Australia is a Late Bronze Age (1550–1050 BCE) rock_cut attributed to Late Bronze Age culture. Systematically investigated through photogrammetry and stratigraphic excavation, it presents a central mound with hydraulic works. Construction employs ashlar with clamp and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Late Bronze Age rock_cut with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function as ceremonial vs domestic centre
- 02Cause of abandonment and collapse
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre and pilgrimage focus
- 02Trading entrepôt and regional hub
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1280 BCE
- Period
- Late Bronze Age (1550–1050 BCE)
- Culture
- Late Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Defensive and administrative
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 1280 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 881 BCE
Architectural refurbishment
c. 267 CE
Reoccupation and adaptation
1994
Rediscovery and systematic excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
29.5488° S · 150.7530° E · 945 m · 4 mapped features
Ancillary Complex
enclosureAncillary settlement associated with main monument
29.5496° S · 150.7551° EEnclosure Wall
entranceOutlier feature with cup marks
29.5493° S · 150.7516° EReservoir/Cistern
granaryBurial zone — shaft tombs
29.5468° S · 150.7546° EGateway
cisternPrimary rock_cut at Butte-Upper Rock-Cut Complex — rock-cut facade
29.5487° S · 150.7512° E