Rondel enclosure
Encyclopedia
A rondel or roundel enclosure is a type of circular prehistoric
earthworks enclosure
found in Europe
. Since being discovered in the 19th century, three types have been distinguished. One type consists of two semicircular ditches forming a circle and separated by causeway
s at opposing entrances. Another type consists of multiple circuits of ditches interrupted with entrances at cardinal or perhaps astronomically-oriented points and also having an internal single or double timber palisade
. A third type consists of a single ring ditch
.
They normally have a diameter
of around 80m although much larger examples are known. Aerial archaeology
has recorded many possible rondel enclosures across Central Europe, especially in Bohemia
, Slovakia, Austria, and recently in Hungary, but few have been excavated. A pair of roundels are known at Bylany
and all seem to be associated with settlement sites. Dating from pottery found in the ditches connected with the Stroke-ornamented ware
culture of the Neolithic
period although some may be slightly later.
Prehistory
Prehistory is the span of time before recorded history. Prehistory can refer to the period of human existence before the availability of those written records with which recorded history begins. More broadly, it refers to all the time preceding human existence and the invention of writing...
earthworks enclosure
Enclosure (archaeology)
In archaeology, an enclosure is one of the most common types of archaeological site. It is any area of land separated from surrounding land by earthworks, walls or fencing. Such a simple feature is found all over the world and during almost all archaeological periods...
found in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. Since being discovered in the 19th century, three types have been distinguished. One type consists of two semicircular ditches forming a circle and separated by causeway
Causeway
In modern usage, a causeway is a road or railway elevated, usually across a broad body of water or wetland.- Etymology :When first used, the word appeared in a form such as “causey way” making clear its derivation from the earlier form “causey”. This word seems to have come from the same source by...
s at opposing entrances. Another type consists of multiple circuits of ditches interrupted with entrances at cardinal or perhaps astronomically-oriented points and also having an internal single or double timber palisade
Palisade
A palisade is a steel or wooden fence or wall of variable height, usually used as a defensive structure.- Typical construction :Typical construction consisted of small or mid sized tree trunks aligned vertically, with no spacing in between. The trunks were sharpened or pointed at the top, and were...
. A third type consists of a single ring ditch
Ring ditch
In archaeology, the term ring ditch refers to a regularly shaped circular or pennanular ditch cut. The term is most often used as a generic description in cases where there is no clear evidence for the function of the site: for instance where it has been ploughed flat and is known only as a...
.
They normally have a diameter
Diameter
In geometry, a diameter of a circle is any straight line segment that passes through the center of the circle and whose endpoints are on the circle. The diameters are the longest chords of the circle...
of around 80m although much larger examples are known. Aerial archaeology
Aerial archaeology
Aerial archaeology is the study of archaeological remains by examining them from altitude.The advantages of gaining a good aerial view of the ground had been long appreciated by archaeologists as a high viewpoint permits a better appreciation of fine details and their relationships within the wider...
has recorded many possible rondel enclosures across Central Europe, especially in Bohemia
Bohemia
Bohemia is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two-thirds of the traditional Czech Lands. It is located in the contemporary Czech Republic with its capital in Prague...
, Slovakia, Austria, and recently in Hungary, but few have been excavated. A pair of roundels are known at Bylany
Bylany (archaeology)
Bylany is a Danubian Neolithic settlement located around east of Prague in the Czech region of Bohemia. Excavation began in 1956 and work continues today....
and all seem to be associated with settlement sites. Dating from pottery found in the ditches connected with the Stroke-ornamented ware
Stroke-ornamented ware
The Stroke-ornamented ware or Stichbandkeramik , Stroked Pottery culture, Danubian Ib culture of V...
culture of the Neolithic
Neolithic
The Neolithic Age, Era, or Period, or New Stone Age, was a period in the development of human technology, beginning about 9500 BC in some parts of the Middle East, and later in other parts of the world. It is traditionally considered as the last part of the Stone Age...
period although some may be slightly later.