T. G. E. Powell facts for kids

Thomas George Eyre Powell (born January 13, 1916 – died July 8, 1975) was a British archaeologist. He was an expert in studying the Neolithic British Isles and the Celts.

Early Life and Education

Thomas George Eyre Powell was born in 1916. His family had Welsh roots in Ireland. While studying archaeology at the University of Cambridge, he got the nickname Terence. This name stayed with him for his whole life.

During World War II, Powell worked for the British in Delhi, India. He helped with "air photographic intelligence." This meant he used photos taken from planes to gather important information.

Archaeological Career

After the war, Powell continued his work in archaeology. In 1948, he became a teacher at the University of Liverpool. He taught about prehistoric archaeology. This is the study of very old times before written history.

In the same year, Powell became a special member of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This is a group for people who study old things.

Studying Ancient Europe

Powell was an expert in the archaeology of ancient Western Europe. He focused on the Neolithic British Isles and the Celts. The Neolithic period was a time when people first started farming. The Celts were ancient people who lived across Europe.

Excavations and Discoveries

Powell worked with another archaeologist named Glyn Daniel. They led important digs at a place called Barclodiad y Gawres in Wales. This site is a very old burial place from the Neolithic period.

Barclodiad y Gawres Dig

Powell and Daniel dug at Barclodiad y Gawres between 1952 and 1953. It is a special type of tomb called a passage grave. This tomb has a long path leading to a central room. The path is about 6 meters long.

The walls inside the tomb are decorated with amazing patterns. These include zigzags, spirals, and diamond shapes. These decorations make it one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Europe.

Inside the main room, they found a hearth, which is like an old fireplace. It had charcoal and stone chips. They also found shells, fish bones, and tiny animal bones.

Powell also led another dig in 1973 at a place called Dyffryn Ardudwy.

Later Career and Legacy

From 1970 to 1974, Powell was the President of The Prehistoric Society. This is a group for people who study prehistory. In 1971, he became a full professor at the University of Liverpool.

Powell's 1958 book, The Celts, made him very well-known. He passed away on July 8, 1975.

Selected Works

• Barclodiad y Gawres, 1956
• The Celts, 1958
• Prehistoric Art, 'The World of Art Library' series, 1966
• Megalithic Enquiries in the West of Britain, 1969