In archaeology, earthworks are artificial changes in land level often known as 'lumps and bumps'. They can themselves be features or they can show features beneath the surface.[1] Earthworks of interest to archaeologists include ancient fortifications such as hillforts, henges, mounds, long barrows, tumuli, ridge and furrow, mottes, round barrows and other tombs.[2] Earthworks from deserted medieval villages can be used to determine the location, size, and layout of lost settlements.
Earthworks can vary in height from a few centimetres to the size of Silbury Hill at 40 metres. They can date from the neolithic through to last week. They can stretch for many tens of kilometres, e.g. Offa's Dyke, Antonine Wall, and Maiden Castle.
Shallow earthworks are often more visible as cropmarks or in aerial photographs if taken when the sun is low in the sky and shadows are more pronounced.[3] Similarly, earthworks may be more visible after a frost or a light dusting of snow.[4] An accurate survey of the earthworks can enable them to be interpreted without the need for excavation.[5]
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