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Silbury Hill (UK)

By K. Kris Hirst, About.com

Definition: The site of Silbury Hill is a gigantic flat-topped earthwork, in Wiltshire, England, and it is in fact the largest prehistoric artificial mound in prehistoric Europe and one of the largest in the world. Radiocarbon dated to about 2500 BC, the 130 foot high mound is in the vicinity of Avebury. Three major excavations at the site have been conducted, beginning with the Duke of Northumberland in the late 18th century, but none have identified burials or any other features in Silbury Hill except evidence of human-placed earthen construction and associated debris.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.

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