Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Edward A. Warner

Second Advisor

Stephen Smithers

Abstract

The Neolithic cultures of Western Europe existed during a period about which there is little substantial information. In most areas, there was a lack of a written language and also of resilient cultural artifacts which would shed light on the characteristics of a given civilization. Given these circumstances, it becomes a challenge to develop a clear picture of what life was like in Neolithic Europe, what religion was practiced, how societies were set up, and how different cultures interacted with each other. One thing which these peoples did leave behind was their megalithic graves, built of massive stones that have endured throughout time. In this study, the megalithic tombs of Newgrange and Gavr'inis, of Ireland and Brittany respectively, were compared in order to answer questions about the cultures that built them. Specifically, it was to be determined whether or not there was contact between the Irish and Bretons of the Neolithic Age. All characteristics of the tombs were examined, including their structure, artistic decoration, astronomical orientation, and grave contents. In addition, the cultures themselves and their known characteristics were outlined and compared. Through much research, it was shown that there are distinct similarities in many aspects of the two graves. Their artwork, astronomical orientation, and structural design are all remarkably similar. Several details exist which irrefutably point towards the existence of a relationship between Ireland and Brittany during the period of 4000 to 3500 BCE. These include particular artistic motifs and an orientation towards the midwinter sunrise. In order to further substantiate the possibility of such a cultural connection, the evidence of transportation between the two areas was researched. It was discovered that both the Irish and Bretons had knowledge of sea travel during that period, and the Irish and British made regular trading excursions to the north of France. Due to this and other evidence presented herein, it can be concluded that the Neolithic cultures of Ireland and Brittany did indeed enjoy some sort of relationship, sharing artistic and architectural traditions and perhaps religious beliefs as well. In addition, this thesis has proven a success in terms of its elucidation of the characteristics of ancient civilizations, and the new view of them resultant from their detailed comparison.

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