Blog PostLidar Investigation

Cissbury Ring through time

Introduction

This is a journey through time looking at the prehistoric site of CISSBURY RING and its surrounding Landscape based on the new third (2020) edition book of the best seller – that contains conclusive and extended evidence of Robert John Langdon’s hypothesis, that rivers of the past were higher than today – which changes the history of not only Britain, but the world. In his first book of the trilogy ‘The Post-Glacial Hypothesis’, Langdon discovered that Britain was flooded directly after the last Ice Age, which remained waterlogged in to the Holocene period through raised river levels, not only in Britain, but worldwide.

Cissbury Ring – Summary

Traditionally classified as an Iron Age hill fort, is actually one of the oldest and largest Neolithic flint mining sites in Britain, covering an impressive 65 acres. It ranks second only to Maiden Castle in terms of size. However, its primary historical significance lies not in its defensive role, but in its function as a major center for flint extraction and trade. This site represents one of the earliest known industrial landscapes in prehistoric Britain, with mining activity that dates back to around 4000 BCE, challenging the conventional Iron Age classification.

The site contains approximately 200 flint shafts, some extending as deep as 12 meters, and mining activities here spanned an extraordinary 900-year period. These shafts were dug into the chalk bedrock to access high-quality flint, a critical resource in the Neolithic era for tool-making and other practical purposes. Flint extraction at Cissbury was a meticulous process, involving the excavation of large shafts and tunnels to reach the valuable deposits. Skilled miners likely used bone and stone tools to carve through the chalk, carefully extracting flint nodules that would have been in high demand across Britain and beyond.

The surrounding landscape is marked by a series of interconnected ditches and dykes that connect ancient paleochannels to the site’s main ditch, forming an intricate transportation network. This system likely facilitated the movement of flint from the mines to boats for trade, indicating Cissbury’s role as a strategic trading hub. These channels would have allowed the extracted flint to be efficiently transported to nearby waterways, where it could be shipped to other regions.

The sheer scale and complexity of the mining operations at Cissbury Ring provide a glimpse into the sophisticated logistical organization of Neolithic communities. This site was not merely a fortified settlement, but a bustling center of industry, resource management, and trade in prehistoric Britain.

Cissbury Ring through time
Maps to not show the extent of mining at Cissbury – Cissbury Ring through time

Flint Mines, Radiocarbon Dates, and Archaeological Insights

Cissbury Ring in West Sussex, one of Britain’s largest hillforts, is a window into ancient Britain, encompassing Neolithic, Iron Age, and Romano-British activities. Covering 60 acres, this site has yielded an extensive collection of evidence that informs us about early mining practices and settlement patterns. The flint mines here date back to around 4000 BC and have provided valuable insights into Neolithic industrial activity and ritual practices.

Cissbury Ring through time

The Beginnings of Flint Mining

The flint mines at Cissbury, dating to the Neolithic period, span over 9 hectares, with more than 270 shafts identified in surveys. These shafts, measuring between 3 and 36 meters in diameter, formed a crescent shape across the hillside. Flint extraction here was extensive, as Cissbury was a vital source of high-quality flint, essential for tool-making in ancient Britain. Miners used red deer antlers and shoulder blades as tools, effectively chiseling through layers of chalk to reach seams of flint.

Excavation History

Cissbury Ring through time

Early excavations at Cissbury began in the 1850s with George Irving, who initially misinterpreted the shafts as water reservoirs. In the 1860s, A.H. Lane-Fox correctly identified the pits as Neolithic flint mines, providing a more accurate interpretation of the site. Excavations continued with John Pull in the 1950s, although his findings were not fully published. Nevertheless, Pull’s work was pivotal in expanding our understanding of flint mining techniques used at Cissbury.

Structure of the Flint Mines

The shafts at Cissbury led to a complex network of underground galleries, which were typically 3 feet high and supported by chalk pillars. The miners worked in hazardous conditions, as evidenced by skeletons found within collapsed galleries. The shafts were often backfilled with chalk rubble after extraction. Galleries interconnected the shafts, allowing for multiple points of access and exit. Excavators found evidence of flint knapping on-site, as well as animal bones and other artifacts, suggesting that the pits might have had secondary uses.

Cissbury Ring through time
The Mining was deep and extensive – you can’t do this with an antler pick!

Radiocarbon Dating Evidence

Radiocarbon dating of antler picks from the site provided dates of 4720±150 BP, 4650±150 BP, and 4730±150 BP, which correspond to 3900-3030 BCE and 3780-2920 BCE. These dates confirm that the flint mines were in use during the Neolithic period, solidifying Cissbury’s importance as a prehistoric mining center. The discovery of animal bones, including ox, pig, and wild boar, within these pits indicates that miners were using the site not only for extraction but possibly for ritualistic purposes as well.

Artifacts and Findings

The tools used at Cissbury were mainly made from red deer antlers, adapted for use as picks and shovels. Excavators found other unique items, including miniature flint axes and chalk carvings, with one shaft containing a woman’s skeleton buried feet-first, accompanied by bones of various animals. This implies a possible ritualistic burial, as several of these pits contained remains in arrangements suggesting ceremonial depositions.

Cissbury Ring through time
Stone axe – what was used to cut the mineshafts and channels

The Iron Age Transformation

In the Iron Age, around 700 BC, fortifications were constructed around the site, enclosing approximately 24 hectares. These defenses consisted of ramparts and ditches, forming a formidable barrier. Excavations revealed Romano-British pottery and oyster shells, indicating continued occupation and use for agriculture and defense. The hillfort was later fortified during WWII, and the site has undergone minimal modern excavation due to its status as a scheduled ancient monument.

Lynchets and the Dyke Debate

A particularly intriguing aspect of Cissbury is the lynchets, terraced formations traditionally associated with ancient agriculture. However, some propose that these features might actually be misidentified dykes, suggesting ancient water levels. While dykes usually include raised embankments and drainage systems, the lynchets at Cissbury lack these structural elements. Moreover, the area’s chalk soil would make long-term water retention impractical, raising doubts about the water-management hypothesis.

Cissbury Ring through time
It is not A defensive ditch but a system used to move minerals via boat, as these are moats, not ditches

Pits and Deposit Sites

Archaeologists speculate another layer to Cissbury’s history as pits for ritual deposition. One of the fascinating discoveries is a pit containing an assortment of artefacts, including chalk loom weights, an iron knife, and sling stones. These objects hint at ceremonial uses, possibly related to agricultural or religious practices. The pit aligns with similar features at Mount Caburn, suggesting ritual depositions were a shared practice among nearby communities. Sadly, the reality is this is an industrial site for processing minerals, and so this is just ‘industrial waste’ at best.

The Saxon Mint Hypothesis

Cissbury might have housed a Saxon mint, as coins from Ethelred II and Cnut bearing mint marks have been linked to the area. Although no direct archaeological evidence supports this claim, the suggestion adds another layer of historical intrigue to the site. Such mints were typically moved to fortifications during times of conflict, underscoring the strategic significance of Cissbury in the early medieval period. The better solution is that more than flint can be found in the mines – sadly, archaeology does not possess the techniques or experience to look for such minerals, as they do not excavate quarries.

Folklore and Myths

Local legends attribute Cissbury’s construction to the Devil, who allegedly flung earth around the Downs, creating the hillforts. Other stories speak of treasure guarded by serpents and even UFO sightings, adding a sense of mystery and complete nonsense to the site. There are also tales of fairies dancing at Cissbury, blending folklore with historical intrigue and showing how the site has captured imaginations for centuries.

A Concluding Perspective

Cissbury Ring through time
The Mines are Extensive showing that they were used in the Roman Period and beyond

Cissbury Ring remains an essential site for understanding ancient Britai,n, with its flint mines, Iron Age ramparts, and complex web of myths. While the theory of lynchets as dykes is interesting, it is unlikely given the physical characteristics of these features. Archaeological evidence supports the interpretation of lynchets as agricultural, with no clear indicators of water-management systems in place. Yet, Cissbury’s diverse history, from flint mining to potential Saxon minting, reflects a multifaceted legacy that continues to inspire research and speculation.

In conclusion, Cissbury Ring is more than a hillfort—it is a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and cultural depth of ancient peoples. The site’s layers of history provide a tangible link to the past, offering insights that span millennia and spark continued interest in Britain’s ancient heritage.

Post-Glacial Flooding

Cissbury Ring through time
The Prehistoric Waters show that the dykes (not Lynchets) were used to link the site to rivers and harbours

In this second book of the series ‘The Stonehenge Enigma’, he also shows that a new civilisation known to archaeologists as the ‘megalithic builders’ adapted to this landscape, to build sites like Stonehenge, Avebury, Woodhenge and Old Sarum, where carbon dating has now shown that these sites were constructed about five thousand years earlier than previously believed. Within the trilogy ‘Prehistoric Britain’, Langdon looks at the anthropology, archaeology and landscape of Britain and the attributes and engineering skills of the builders of these megalithic structures. (Cissbury Ring through time)

Including finding and dating the original bluestones of Stonehenge Phase I from the quarry of Craig-Rhos-Y-Felin in Wales, five thousand year earlier than current archaeological theory and how this civilisation used the sites surrounding Stonehenge at a time of these raised river levels. This unique insight into how the prehistoric world looked in the ‘Mesolithic Period’ allows Langdon to explain archaeological mysteries that have confused archaeologist since the beginning of the science and allows us to make sense of these sites, allowing us to understand their function for this society for the first time. (Cissbury Ring through time).

With over thirty ‘proofs’ of his hypothesis and one hundred and twenty-five peer-reviewed references – Langdon uses existing excavation findings and carbon dating to forward a new understanding of the environment and our ancient society, which consequently rewrites our history books and allows us to find more conclusive and persuasive evidence which is currently trapped in our landscape, ready to be discovered by future students of archaeology. Articles on this Trilogy and an Active FaceBook Group where you can leave comments and get feedback can be found at:

Articles: https://prehistoric-britain.co.uk/

FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/prehistoricbritain

Further Reading

For information about British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk for the most extensive archaeology blogs and investigations collection, including modern LiDAR reports.  This site also includes extracts and articles from the Robert John Langdon Trilogy about Britain in the Prehistoric period, including titles such as The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation and the ultimate proof of Post Glacial Flooding and the landscape we see today.

Robert John Langdon has also created a YouTube web channel with over 100 investigations and video documentaries to support his classic trilogy (Prehistoric Britain). He has also released a collection of strange coincidences that he calls ‘13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History’ and his recent discovery of a lost Stone Avenue at Avebury in Wiltshire called ‘Silbury Avenue – the Lost Stone Avenue’.

Langdon has also produced a series of ‘shorts’, which are extracts from his main body of books:

The Ancient Mariners

Stonehenge Built 8300 BCE

Old Sarum

Prehistoric Rivers

Dykes ditches and Earthworks

Echoes of Atlantis

Homo Superior

For active discussions on the findings of the TRILOGY and recent LiDAR investigations that are published on our WEBSITE, you can join our and leave a message or join the debate on our Facebook Group.

Unlocking the Mysteries of British Prehistory

Delve into the depths of time, as we embark on a captivating voyage into the enigmatic world of British prehistory. www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk is your portal to a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, modern LiDAR reports, and fascinating insights from the Robert John Langdon Trilogy. This immersive digital hub is your key to unlocking the secrets of Britain’s ancient past.

A Glimpse into the Robert John Langdon Trilogy

Step into the shoes of Robert John Langdon, a dedicated explorer of Britain’s prehistoric mysteries. His trilogy, comprising “The Stonehenge Enigma,” “Dawn of the Lost Civilization,” and “The Post-Glacial Flooding Hypothesis,” is a literary marvel that unravels the untold tales of our ancestors. These books take you on an exhilarating journey through time, meticulously researched and backed by over 125 references from esteemed scientists, archaeological experts, and geological researchers.

Dive into the World of LiDAR

At www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk, we harness the power of LiDAR technology to unearth hidden landscapes and archaeological marvels. Our LiDAR reports offer a modern lens through which you can peer into ancient history. Explore the effects of flooding on the British environment after the great ice age melt, a phenomenon that has shaped the landscape we see today. Join us in decoding the mysteries of our past using cutting-edge technology.

A Multimedia Experience

Our commitment to storytelling extends beyond the written word. Robert John Langdon has curated a rich multimedia experience, including a YouTube web channel featuring over 100 investigations and video documentaries. These visual journeys complement his classic trilogy, providing a multi-dimensional understanding of prehistoric Britain. From Stonehenge’s construction in 8300 BCE to the lost Stone Avenue at Avebury in Wiltshire known as ‘Silbury Avenue,’ these documentaries offer an immersive experience that brings history to life.

Explore the ’13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in Ancient History’

History is replete with anomalies and enigmas that defy explanation. Robert John Langdon has curated a collection of such historical curiosities in ’13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History.’ These peculiar occurrences and unanswered questions will leave you pondering the mysteries of the past, inviting you to join the debate on their possible interpretations.

Cissbury Ring through time
Cissbury Ring through time

Cissbury Ring through time

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