CHAPTER IV

THE BRONZE AGE AND THE VOYAGE OF PYTHEAS

A Copper Age preceded the Bronze Age in certain countries, but has not been proved to have existed in Britain 121

Bronze implements used for many centuries in Europe before the Iron Age 123

Where did the European bronze culture originate? 124

Origin and affinities of the bronze culture of Britain 126

Period of its commencement 126

Physical characters of the late neolithic and early bronze-using invaders of Britain 127

Their social organization 128

Character and results of the invasions: the invaders poor in bronze weapons 129

Evidence of finds as to the settlements of the invaders 129

Stone implements used long after the introduction of bronze 132

Hill-forts 132

Primitive metallurgy 139

Bronze implements:--celts 139

Sickles 144

The Arreton Down hoard 145

Halberds 145

Shields, swords, spears 145

Moulds 148

Decoration of weapons 149

Hoards 149

Pasturage 150

Agriculture 151

Signs of amelioration in the conditions of life 152

Dwellings 153

Lake-dwellings 153

Hut-circles 154

Inhabited camps 156

The Heathery Burn Cave 157

Dress 160

Pins and buttons 161

Weapons mounted with gold or amber 162

Ornaments 163

Distribution of wealth: sources of gold, ivory, and amber 167

Why was Wiltshire exceptionally rich in ornaments? 169

British trade and the spiral 170

Comparative backwardness of culture in Britain 171

The information obtainable from graves 172

Round barrows, cairns, and sepulchral circles 173

Chronology of the barrows 181

Cremation and inhumation 184

Sepulchral pottery 191

The ‘drums’ of Folkton Wold and their significance 199

Sepulchral evidence as to religion 200

Engraved stones 205

Sun-worship 207

Stone circles and other megalithic monuments 207

Stonehenge 213

The voyage of Pytheas 217

Ictis 221

‘Ultima Thule’ 224

Pytheas and the ethnology of Britain 227

The passing of the Bronze Age 230