Theme:
3. The Life of Archaeological Heritage in Society
Session format:
Regular session
Title:
The Lives and Afterlives of Megaliths: Dialogues of Persistence, Reinvention and Change
Content:
Megalithic monuments first appeared in the context of a major social upheaval which saw humans transition to agricultural subsistence and a more sedentary way of life. The monuments span multiple archaeological periods, and remarkably well-preserved examples remain in landscapes across Europe. The meaning and function of megaliths has been reinterpreted by every new generation. The architecture, contents and setting of the monuments have inspired legends and folklore, origin myths and group identities. In modern times, antiquarians and archaeologists have ‘professionally’ interpreted the monuments, and groups ranging from neo-Pagans and Druids to nation states have adopted the monuments as symbols of their ancestry. Dolmens, menhirs, cromlechs, and alignments continue to fascinate and intrigue tourists, and are among the most visited attractions in many countries. But who decides how competing interests are prioritised? Whose interpretations are right and true? Who owns the past?
This session will explore the ways in which megalithic monuments have been interpreted and reinterpreted through time, with a particular emphasis on the period from the nineteenth century to the present. We seek to compare and contrast perspectives from across Europe, examining motivations, approaches and outcomes. We particularly welcome contributions which consider:
• The development of archaeological investigations, and the resulting classifications and interpretations.
• Custodianship, management, preservation, access, protection, conservation and neglect.
• Authorised narratives: the presentation and interpretation of the monuments for public engagement, education and tourism.
• Contested narratives: the adoptions of megalithic monuments as symbols of social and political identity, religion and belief.
• The place of megalithic monuments in legend, superstition and folklore.
• the future of megalithic monuments.
The proposed outcome of this session is a published collection of essays on how megalithic monuments are understood in the present, how we got here, and what the future may hold.
Keywords:
Megalith, heritage, tourism, identity, community, interpretation
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:
Main organiser:
LEONOR MARIA PEREIRA ROCHA (Portugal) 1
Co-organisers:
Ana Martins (Portugal) 2
Andrew Whitefield (Ireland) 3
Katie Meheux (United Kingdom) 4
Heather Sebire (United Kingdom) 5
Affiliations:
1. CHAIA/ University of Évora
2. IHC-Polo Universidade de Évora / IN2PAST
3. National University of Ireland, Galway
4. University College of London
5. English Heritage
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