Prehistoric Linear Boundary Earthworks

An introduction to prehistoric linear boundary earthworks.

Prehistoric linear earthworks range in length from a few tens of metres to more than 80 km (50 miles). Many of the shorter and straighter examples are so-called ‘cross-dykes’ or ‘cross-ridge dykes’, which span narrow necks of land, running between steep slopes or sheer escarpments.

Descriptions of prehistoric linear boundary earthworks and their development along with a brief chronology are included. Linear earthworks may relate directly to various artificial features, such as burial monuments and hillforts. So-called ‘multiple ditch systems’ share certain characteristics with oppida; namely, they are also of Late Iron Age origin and appear to have bounded areas where a wide range of settlement, economic, political and religious activities took place.