Priory Pit Tumulus
Priory Pit
Andean Formative (1800–200 BCE)·Andean Formative·🇬🇧 Somerset, South West England, United Kingdom
About
About Priory Pit Tumulus
Priory Pit Tumulus in Somerset, South West England, United Kingdom is a Andean Formative (1800–200 BCE) tumulus attributed to Andean Formative culture. Systematically investigated through systematic survey and coring, it presents a central mound with workshop zone. Construction employs cyclopean blocks and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Andean Formative tumulus with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Long-distance exchange networks
- 02Ritual use and symbolic landscape
Theories
- 01Centralized storage and redistribution (Cunliffe)
- 02Elite residence and administrative centre
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. 1349 BCE
- Period
- Andean Formative (1800–200 BCE)
- Culture
- Andean Formative
- Purpose
- Residential and craft production
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 1349 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 1099 BCE
Architectural refurbishment
c. 358 CE
Reoccupation and adaptation
1923
Rediscovery and systematic excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
52.3125° N · 1.3913° W · 82 m · 4 mapped features
Hydraulic Channel
gatewayHydraulic feature — well
52.3142° N · 1.3928° WGateway
rampartAncillary necropolis associated with main monument
52.3120° N · 1.3925° WTemple Platform
alignmentHydraulic feature — reservoir
52.3115° N · 1.3913° WHydraulic Channel 4
granaryOutlier feature with geoglyph
52.3148° N · 1.3885° W