Avebury in Wiltshire is best known as the world's largest stone circle, but surrounding it is a wealth of ancient monuments. Captivated by its unique atmosphere, many visitors form a personal, often spiritual, connection to Avebury and its 'sacred landscape'. What was it that first attracted people to the Avebury area more than 5,000 years ago?Beautifully illustrated with over 400 photographs, maps and diagrams, Exploring Avebury invites us on a journey of discovery. For the first time the importance of water, light and sound is revealed, and we begin to see Avebury through the eyes of those who built it.
Welcome to "Exploring the Unknown: Mapping Ancient Europe's Secrets" In the annals of history, there exists a tapestry woven with threads of exploration and discovery, where intrepid adventurers embarked on perilous journeys to chart the uncharted territories of the ancient world. Among these brave souls were the cartographers and explorers of Europe, whose quest for knowledge and adventure shaped the course of history and redefined the boundaries of the known world.
Embark on a captivating journey through "Timeless Treasures: Exploring Historical Landmarks in Europe," a meticulously crafted guide that unveils the rich tapestry of Europe's cultural heritage. This book invites readers to explore the continent's most iconic landmarks, from the ancient ruins of Greece to the majestic castles of Scotland. Each chapter offers vivid descriptions, historical insights, and practical travel tips, making this book an indispensable companion for both armchair travelers and adventurous explorers. With stunning photographs and first-hand accounts, "Timeless Treasures" brings to life the stories and legends behind Europe’s most celebrated sites. Whether you're planning your next European adventure or simply dreaming of distant places, this book will inspire you to discover the wonders of a continent steeped in history and charm.
Alone on the Ridgeway is the inner journey of the author's solo 87 mile walking adventure along one of England's National Trails in 2016. This book is ideal for walkers who are new to doing a long distance trail, as it includes practical information and how to prepare for such a journey. The main focus, however, is the inner journey of the author as she reconnects with herself on the trail. This is not a guidebook or a book full of cultural and historical details. It's designed to help you decide whether the Ridgeway is the right trail for you, and if so, how to start planning for it.More than just a walking travelogue or memoirs of a walking holiday, this book contains Holly's reflections on walking the Ridgeway, including lessons learned and practical information to help you plan your Ridgeway hiking adventure. It includes a suggested packing list, gear recommendations, and other useful tips, such as when to walk the Ridgeway, where to stay, and how much you'll need to budget.
This magnificent book is a fascinating account of the prehistoric stone circles at Avebury, which not only II date from an earlier era but are also larger than the more famous sarsen stone circle of Stonehenge. Written by a leading archaeologist, the book considers every aspect of Avebury's history and construction and discusses the probable purpose of these massive structures, in the process creating a vivid and moving picture of their creators -- a primitive people whose lives were brief, savage, and fearful.
A guidebook to walking the Ridgeway National Trail between Avebury in Wiltshire and Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Covering 139km (87 miles), this mostly low-level route is suitable for all abilities and takes 6 to 9 days to hike. The route is described in both directions and in 12 stages, ranging from 8 to 16 km (5–10 miles) in length. Detours and diversions are included to historic and archaeological sites close to the Trail. Contains step-by-step description of the route alongside 1:50,000 OS maps Includes a separate map booklet containing OS 1:25,000 mapping and route line Handy route summary table and trek planner help you plan your itinerary Packed with historical information, as well as detail maps showing nearby historic and archaeological sites Details of refreshments, accommodation and public transport given for each route stage
A feast of extraordinary theories and personalities centred around the mysterious standing stones of antiquity. John Michell tells the incredible story of the amazing reactions, ancient and modern, to these prehistoric relics, whether astronomical, legendary, mystical or visionary.
Winner of Current Archaeology’s Book of the Year Discover the iconic standing stones and prehistoric sites of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland—this comprehensive, coffee table travel guide features over 750 must-see destinations, with maps and color photographs The ultimate insiders’ guide, The Old Stones gives unparalleled insight into where to find prehistoric sites and how to understand them, by drawing on the knowledge, expertise and passion of the archaeologists, theorists, photographers and stones aficionados who contribute to the world’s biggest megalithic website—the Megalithic Portal. Including over 30 maps and site plans and hundreds of color photographs, it also contains scores of articles by a wide range of contributors—from archaeologists and archaeoastronomers to dowsers and geomancers—that will change the way you see these amazing survivals from our distant past. Locate over 1,000 of Britain and Ireland’s most atmospheric prehistoric places, from recently discovered moorland circles to standing stones hidden in housing estates. Discover which sites could align with celestial bodies or horizon landmarks. Explore acoustic, color, and shadow theory to get inside the minds of the Neolithic and Bronze Age people who created these extraordinary places. Find out which sites have the most spectacular views, which are the best for getting away from it all and which have been immortalized in music. And don't forget to visit the Megalithic Portal website and get involved by posting your discoveries online. All royalties from this book go to support the running of the Megalithic Portal: www.megalithic.com.
"Avebury parish in Wiltshire contains the most amazing collection of Stone Age monuments to be found anywhere in the world. Taking into account recent discoveries, this new edition of Michael Dames's acclaimed study explores the mystery of the Avebury monuments and reveals their collective purpose. Making skillful use of archaeology, ethnography, and folklore, Dames argues that the monuments were key elements in the worship of the Great Goddess, each representing a different aspect of the annual fertility cycle corresponding to the chronological year"--Back cover.
Design a truly unique vacation with 100 intriguing alternatives to more predictable, expensive, and overcrowded destinations. Let’s face it. These days, many of the world’s most beloved places have become expensive and overcrowded, making their celebrated allure that much harder to enjoy. But fear not: Here Not There helps you create a more robust, off-the-beaten path vacation by revealing 100 alternative destinations to the standard travel playbook—as well as expert tips on when to visit, where to eat, what to see, and where to stay. In this surprising collection of lively travel itineraries, you’ll find authentic, unexpected, and rewarding destinations of a lifetime to add to your bucket list, including: A trip to Quito, Ecuador, instead of Lima, Peru, for iconic architecture and top-notch South American cuisine. A road trip along West Virginia’s byways instead of New England’s highways for brilliant autumn colors. A romantic rendezvous to Lecce, Italy, instead of mega-touristed Florence for art, wine, and artifacts. A hiking excursion in Chile’s Lake District instead of England’s for an unexpected natural wonder. A theater-infused visit to Cleveland, Ohio, where the performances match the levels of New York City’s Broadway. A tour of Portugal’s Azores, rather than the Hawaiian islands, for flora, fauna, and underwater adventures. A water-filled excursion through New York’s Thousand Islands instead of a cruise down Germany’s Rhine River. A trip to Detroit to find Art Deco skyscrapers (and even a beach in Motown) that rival those of Miami. Both surprising and inspiring, Here Not There offers readers a chance to think beyond our typical borders and discover undreamed-of destinations.
