Avebury Cosmos – The Neolithic World of Avebury henge, Silbury Hill, West Kennet long barrow, the Sanctuary & the Longstones Cove - Softcover

Landscape archaeology is much in fashion at present, but the sky-the one part of the prehistoric landscape which can be reconstructed with real accuracy-is usually forgotten. Nicholas Mann's painstaking research shows how it can be reintegrated, and how archaeology, astronomy and anthropology can be brought together, to produce a plausible hypothesis regarding the nature of one of the world's greatest prehistoric monuments. (Professor Ronald Hutton, University of Bristol)

A fresh look at the World Heritage Site that includes Avebury henge, West Kennet long barrow and Silbury Hill. Mann combines archaeology, astronomy and anthropology to offer an original and convincing account of the building of these extraordinary Neolithic monuments. The ancient Britons were inspired by a profound knowledge of the heavens when they erected the monumental stones of Avebury. Mann throws light on the motive behind the creation of its awe-inspiring mounds and megaliths by demonstrating that they were aligned to the cycles of the Sun, Moon and stars. This book will help visitors and readers to see Avebury in a wholly new light - the light of the heavenly bodies that guided its Neolithic builders. Avebury Cosmos will reawaken our ancient reverence for the stars and deepen our respect for the extraordinary abilities and forgotten knowledge of our prehistoric ancestors.