Overton Period facts for kids
The Overton Period is a time in Britain's prehistory (the time before written records). It was named by an archaeologist named Colin Burgess. This period lasted from about 2000 BC to 1650 BC.
It came after the Mount Pleasant Period and before the Bedd Branwen Period.
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What Was the Overton Period?
The Overton Period is an important part of the Bronze Age in Britain. During this time, people started new ways of burying their dead. We also see the last use of a special type of pottery called Beaker pottery.
When Did It Happen?
This period began around 2000 BC and ended about 1650 BC. This means it lasted for about 350 years. It was a time of change in how people lived and what tools they used.
Where Did It Get Its Name?
The Overton Period is named after a place called West Overton in Wiltshire, England. At West Overton, there is a large ancient burial ground known as a barrow cemetery. A "barrow" is a mound of earth built over a grave. This site is called a "typesite" because it's a key example of what archaeologists find from this period.
Burials and Pottery
During the Overton Period, archaeologists find the first signs of new burial customs. People began to cremate (burn) their dead and place the ashes in special pots called urns. They also buried people with "food vessels," which were pots likely used for offerings.
The last examples of Beaker pottery were also used during this time. This pottery had a distinctive bell shape. Some very rich burials from the Wessex culture also appeared. A famous example is the burial found at Bush Barrow, which is close to the ancient site of Stonehenge.
Metalwork and Trade
Metalworking was very important during the Overton Period. People made specific types of metal objects. One example is the Amorico-British dagger, a type of bronze dagger.
There were also "Falkland industries," which refer to how metal items were made and traded. These metal objects show that people in Britain were connected to other cultures in Europe, like the Unetice culture. This suggests there was trade and sharing of ideas across different regions.
