Cursus

A cursus (plural: cursuses or cursus) is a type of Neolithic monument consisting of a long, parallel-sided enclosure defined by one or more ditches and banks. Cursuses are primarily found in Britain and Ireland, with some examples also identified in continental Europe.

The term "cursus" was coined by William Stukeley, an 18th-century antiquarian, who mistakenly believed these monuments were Roman race tracks. The actual purpose of cursuses remains uncertain, but they are generally interpreted as having had ceremonial, ritual, or processional functions.

Characteristics and Features:

• Shape and Dimensions: Cursuses are characterized by their elongated, often rectangular shape. They can vary considerably in length, ranging from a few hundred meters to several kilometers. The width is generally much less than the length, creating a corridor-like appearance.

• Construction: They are typically defined by one or more parallel ditches, with the material excavated from the ditches used to form banks on either side. The ditches and banks may have been continuous or interrupted at intervals.

• Orientation: The orientation of cursuses often appears to be aligned with astronomical events, such as sunrise or sunset at solstices or equinoxes, suggesting a connection to celestial observations or beliefs.

• Associations: Cursuses are often found in association with other Neolithic monuments, such as henges, barrows, and causewayed enclosures, suggesting a complex and interconnected landscape of ritual activity.

Interpretation and Significance:

The precise function of cursuses remains a subject of debate among archaeologists. Proposed interpretations include:

• Processional Ways: Acting as routes for ceremonial processions or ritual journeys.
• Territorial Markers: Defining boundaries between different social groups or territories.
• Cosmological Symbols: Representing aspects of the Neolithic worldview or mythology.
• Ancestral Pathways: Connecting the living with the realm of the ancestors.

Examples:

Notable examples of cursuses include the Stonehenge Cursus in Wiltshire, England, and the Dorset Cursus, also in England. Numerous other examples are known throughout Britain and Ireland.

See also:

• Henge
• Neolithic
• Monument
• Ritual Landscape