Monumentality and Communication - Neolithic Enclosures and Long Distance Tracks in West Central Europe

Abstract

New investigations on monumental enclosures of the Michelsberg/Baalberge period (c. 4200–3500 calBC) in Northern Germany show a close correlation between their location and medieval long distance roads, which are highly dependent on ground features and thus probably very constant in time. In some cases not only the position but also the architecture of enclosures seems to have been constructed deliberately in respect of ancient tracks leading by. Together with additional data from recent excavations the long discussed function of large enclosures can now be reassigned to the realms of representation, communication and mortuary ritual.