Chysauster Ancient Village is a well-preserved Iron Age settlement located in Cornwall, England. The site dates to approximately 100 BC to 400 AD. It is renowned for its unique architectural features and provides valuable insights into the life of prehistoric communities in Britain.
Get your dose of History via Email
Location and Discovery
The village lies near the village of Newlyn, within the Penwith peninsula. It was first excavated in the 19th century. Archaeologists discovered the remains of circular stone dwellings, known as “courtyard houses,” which were used by the Celts. The site is situated on a prominent hilltop, offering views over the surrounding landscape, which may have been strategic for defense and communication.
Architecture and Layout
Chysauster consists of several courtyard houses. These structures are built from stone and arranged in a pattern that suggests a planned settlement. Each house is circular with a central courtyard. The walls are constructed using local granite, and the roofs were likely thatched, though no roof materials have survived. These houses served as the homes of the village’s inhabitants, with living spaces and areas for storing food and tools.
The layout of Chysauster is thought to reflect the social and economic organization of the time. The houses are arranged in a way that suggests communal living and cooperation among the residents. The settlement’s design indicates a highly organized and well-established community.
Excavations and Findings
Excavations have revealed several key aspects of life at Chysauster. Archaeologists have uncovered pottery, tools, and animal bones, which help provide a picture of daily life in the village. The pottery found at Chysauster is typically of local manufacture, indicating that the inhabitants had a degree of self-sufficiency. The tools suggest the community engaged in activities such as farming, animal husbandry, and craft production.
A notable discovery includes evidence of ironworking, suggesting that the residents of Chysauster had access to advanced technology for their time. The presence of stone querns and grinding tools indicates that the inhabitants also engaged in food processing, likely growing crops such as barley and wheat.
The Role of Chysauster in the Iron Age Economy
Chysauster’s strategic location may have played a role in its economic function. The settlement likely had connections with other Iron Age communities in Cornwall and beyond. Archaeological evidence suggests trade links, as the site yielded imported goods such as pottery and items of Roman origin. This suggests that Chysauster was not an isolated settlement but part of a larger network of communities engaged in regional trade.
Furthermore, the proximity of Chysauster to the sea suggests that the inhabitants may have had access to maritime resources, such as fish and salt. This would have been an important aspect of their subsistence and economy.
Decline and Abandonment
Chysauster, like many Iron Age settlements, was eventually abandoned. The reasons for its decline are not fully understood, but it is likely that a combination of factors contributed, including changes in climate, agriculture, and possibly political upheaval. By the early centuries AD, the village had ceased to be inhabited.
It is also possible that the arrival of the Romans in Britain in the 1st century AD had an impact on settlements like Chysauster. Roman influence may have altered the social and economic structure of Iron Age communities in Cornwall, leading to the decline of traditional settlement patterns.
Preservation and Modern Day
Today, Chysauster Ancient Village is a scheduled monument and a popular archaeological site. It is managed by English Heritage, and visitors can explore the remains of the courtyard houses. The site provides an invaluable glimpse into life during the Iron Age and is a key location for understanding the prehistoric communities of Cornwall.
Chysauster offers a rare opportunity to study the lives of early Britons in a well-preserved and accessible setting. It is an important resource for archaeologists and historians interested in the Iron Age period and the transition from prehistory to recorded history in Britain.
Source:
Neural Pathways is a collective of seasoned experts and researchers with a profound passion for unraveling the enigmas of ancient history and artifacts. With a wealth of combined experience spanning decades, Neural Pathways has established itself as a leading voice in the realm of archaeological exploration and interpretation.