Greenhill Ogham Stones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greenhill Ogham Stones |
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| Native name Irish: Clocha Oghaim Phlácais |
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| Type | ogham stones |
| Location | Greenhill, Mourneabbey, County Cork, Ireland |
| Elevation | 51 m (167 ft) |
| Built | AD 400–550 |
| Owner | private |
| Official name: Greenhill Ogham Stones | |
| Reference no. | 552 |
The Greenhill Ogham Stones are two special ancient stones found in County Cork, Ireland. They are known for their unique carvings called ogham. These stones are so important that they are protected as a National Monument.
Contents
What are Ogham Stones?
Ogham stones are ancient monuments from Ireland. They have a special writing system called Ogham. This writing uses lines and notches carved into the edges of stones. It was the first way of writing in Ireland. People used Ogham script mostly between the 4th and 7th centuries AD. These stones often marked land or remembered important people.
The Greenhill Ogham Stones
The Greenhill Ogham Stones are located in a place called Greenhill. This is near Mallow in County Cork. They stand in a field, showing us a piece of ancient Irish history.
A Glimpse into the Past: Their History
These two stones were carved a very long time ago. Experts believe they were made in the 5th century AD. One stone, called Greenhill I, might be from the early 6th century. The other, Greenhill II, is from the 5th century. This was a time when early Christianity was spreading in Ireland.
What Do the Stones Look Like?
The Greenhill Ogham Stones are different sizes.
- Greenhill I is the larger stone. It measures about 260 centimeters (over 8 feet) tall. It is 72 cm wide and 35 cm thick.
- Greenhill II is smaller. It is about 154 cm (around 5 feet) tall. It is 46 cm wide and 36 cm thick.
Decoding the Ancient Messages
Both stones have Ogham inscriptions. These are like secret messages from the past.
- The inscription on Greenhill I says: TṚENỤ [MA]QỊ MUCOI QRITTI. This means "of Trén (or Trian) son of the descendant of Creth." It likely tells us about a person or family.
- The inscription on Greenhill II says: CATTUBUTTAS Ṃ[AQI]. This means "of Cathub son of." It also names a person.
These inscriptions help historians learn about names and families from ancient Ireland. They are a direct link to people who lived over 1,500 years ago.
