Wise-Arch Seminar Series: Tiffany Reynolds-Flannery (University of New England)

Ceremonial Avenue or Livestock Enclosure?

Investigating an Annexed Feature Within Rathcroghan Royal Complex Co. Roscommon to Understand Movement in a Ceremonial Landscape.

Rathcroghan Royal Complex is one of six sites identified in medieval literature as hubs for either ritual or ceremonial significance in the pre-Christian Irish landscape. Unlike the other sites, Rathcroghan’s six square kilometres of landscape features and monuments from the Neolithic to the medieval period have had little excavation, with interpretation based heavily on recent topical surveillance. Within the complex, 240 individual features reveal a place of early burial that evolved into an Iron Age kingship location for gathering and celebration.

A geophysical examination has uncovered many hidden features and posed new questions to their purpose within the landscape. Magnetic gradiometry of the central earthen mound and its surrounds has partially revealed a potential ceremonial avenue approaching from the east. The feature transects the current visitor’s carpark and annexed private land of 1.1 acres where probable diagnostic evidence is concealed. Alternative interpretations in favour of the trapezoidal enclosure representing an area for corralling livestock challenges the notion of sacred ritual usage in favour of more agricultural functionality.

By investigating the feature in its entirety, and comparing its composition to other known sites, the avenue access at the outer enclosure wall may answer utilitarian and broader interpretation questions of Rathcroghan as a royal site. In addition, non-invasive examination of the annexed land that has escaped modern intensive farming methods will be employed in the broader area. This action may unveil further landscape features or artefactual evidence of human/animal interaction with the environment. Resolving conjecture about the function of the enclosure will not only give greater insight into Rathcroghan’s evolving usage but also contribute to the interpretation of activity within what we currently classify as an Irish royal site.

This seminar is presented by Wise-Arch as part of their student seminar series, aimed at creating an inclusive and supportive space for students and graduates to share their research. Find the series details here.

When: 6pm AEST, Wednesday 24 May 2023

Where: Online

To register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wise-arch-seminar-series-tiffany-reynolds-flannery-une-tickets-636060844107