Andy Burnham's Blog, page 6

Âsowanânihk Ancient Indigenous Site

A small landslide along the East Saskatchewan River revealed evidence of a 10,700 year old ancient indigenous site. There was a recent excavation as it was under threat. Evidence suggests the site was a long-term settlement rather than a temporary hunting camp. Findings include stone tools, fire pits, and lithic materials used in toolmaking. Charcoal layers indicate early Indigenous inhabitants practiced fire management, aligning with longstanding oral traditions. The discovery of large bison remains provides insight into early hunting techniques and the evolution of the species. Despite its immense significance, the site faces threats from logging and industrial activity.

Colossi of Memnon

The two colossal statues of Amenhotep III, originally 21 metres tall have stood in this location since 1350 BCE. The site became legendary for divination after one of the statues began making noises interpreted as oracles. The Greek historian Strabo (65 BCE-23 CE) was the first to record the sound which would later be described as singing, the sound of a lyre, brass instruments, a broken harp or lyre string, and a slap or blow. We have hundreds more ancient Egyptian sites plotted on our interactive map, explore via this page

Mesa Verde - Mesa Top Sites

Video commentaries by Stonetracker for this site in the comments on our page. On a short trail from a parking pulloff on the Mesa Top loop drive, illustrates the evolution of three Ancestral Pueblo villages and architectural styles spanning the period 900-1075 CE. Each village either overlaps or is built on top of the preceding village. It also highlights the challenge archaeologists often face when distinguishing one architectural period from another. The kiva was a vital part of all three villages, gradually evolving into what archaeologists refer to as the Mesa Verde-style kiva.

West Taphouse Barrow Cemetery (B)

A group 4 barrows the tallest of which is 4m high. The barrows are now covered with trees and shrubs which the LiDAR image here strips away. Aligned roughly east west on Taphouse ridge with wonderful views of this part of Cornwall.

St Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth

This church suffered from a devastating fire in 1998. An archaeological survey after the fire indicated that there was a Saxon building on the site of the present church building which itself was established in the 12th century. During restoration 100 medieval tombstones dating from 1300-1500 were discovered hidden in the walls. Some of the symbols carved into them are unique to this church and are known as the ‘Brancepeth Code’. Photos of these on our page.

Sigersted Runddysse 2

The remains of a dolmen on a shallow mound in Sorø, Denmark.
More photos on our page.

Clovelly Dykes

A complex series of earthworks covering more than 20 acres (8.1 ha) #HillfortsWednesday situated on the high plateau behind the coast - one of the largest and most impressive Early Iron Age hill-forts in Devon. Excavations were most recently carried out in 2018 and 2019.

Side Pike

A Recumbent Stone Circle (RSC) has been rediscovered by Steve Dickinson in the heart of the Lake District National Park World Heritage Site. It is on the south side of Great Langdale valley on the northern slopes of Side Pike, where the valley turns north-west into Mickleden, under the Early Neolithic stone axe blade creation sites on Pike o’Stickle, Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle.

Berezan' Runestone

Discovered in 1905 by Ernst von Stern, on Berezan' Island (also known as the Island of St. Aitherios) where the Dnieper River meets the Black Sea. The runestone is 48 cm wide, 47 cm high and 12 cm thick, and kept in the museum of Odesa. Pictured is a faithful replica currently on display at the Historiska Museum in Stockholm. The original was made by a Varangian trader named Grani in memory of his business partner Karl. They were probably from Gotland, Sweden.

The Van

The name given to a hill in Powys which has two tumuli on top of it. One is in excellent condition and really stands out when viewed from the A44 or A481.