Timeline of Albion
All dates before the arrival of the Romans are approximate. Such dates tend to
change as new archaeological techniques and practices cause them to be reviewed and revised.
Stonehenge timeline event
Avebury timeline event
Early Albion
c6500BC
The land bridge joining Britain to mainland
Europe is flooded, permanently transforming Britain into an island.
c5000BC
The beginning of the Neolithic period. Early
stages of farming. Stone axes in use.
c3806BC
Europe's earliest wooden track-way, the Sweet
Track, is constructed.
c3500-3000BC
The first appearance of long barrows and
chambered tombs. Passage graves emerge a few centuries later. West Kennet
long barrow constructed.
c3200-2500BC
Henge building underway
c3100BC
Stonehenge Phase I: earthworks, ditch and bank
constructed.
c3000BC
Stonehenge Phase II - timber posts erected
within the henge enclosure.
c3000BC
The cove stones erected at Avebury
c3000-2500BC
Construction of Castlerigg stone circle.
2900BC
The smaller inner circles erected at Avebury.
c2800-2700BC
The ditch, bank and henge constructed at Avebury.
c2600BC
The larger outer circle erected at Avebury.
c2600BC
Stonehenge Phase III (a): Welsh bluestones raised at
stonehenge in a horseshoe pattern.
c2500BC
The Bronze Age begins.
c2500-1500BC
The period during which most of Britain's stone
circles were constructed.
c2500BC
Silbury Hill completed.
c2400BC
West Kennet and Beckhampton avenues erected at
Avebury.
c2450-2100BC
Stonehenge Phase III (b): the
sarsen-lintelled arrangement completed at Stonehenge using stone from the
Marlborough downs. Inner horseshoe arrangement also constructed.
c2200BC
West Kennet long barrow sealed with chalk
and rubble.
c2200-1950BC
Stonehenge Phase III (c): Bluestones from
Phase III (a) recycled and used to form an inner-horseshoe within the
existing sarsen horseshoe.
c1500BC
Farming taking place on Dartmoor within walled
fields. Stone circles beginning to fall into disuse. Changing religious
attitudes and practices accompanying settled agriculture. Burial mounds no
longer constructed.
c1500BC
Stonehenge main monument essentially complete.
Final adjustments take place - bluestones moved around, digging work for
uncompleted later phase, altar stone put in place.
c1100BC
Stonehenge Phase IV: the avenue at
Stonehenge is lengthened to extend down to the River Avon at Amesbury.
c1000BC
Hill forts and fortified farmsteads begin to
appear. Increasing sophistication of arts and crafts. Highly decorative
ornamentation emerges.
c750BC
The Iron Age begins: bronze is replaced as the
most useful metal. The population of Britian stands at around 150,000.
c500BC
The Celts begin to arrive in Britain. Their
customs and artefacts spread across the island with no sign of invasion or
incursion. Immigration believed to have occurred through the spread of
trade. Druidry takes root as the religion of Britain. Worship turns towards
springs and groves as man-made constructions are abandoned.
c150BC
Metal currency enters use, and contact with
continental Europe becomes commonplace.
55BC
Julius Caesar's first exploratory incursion into
Britain.
54BC
Julius Caesar's second incursion into Britain,
this time in force. Some military success was achieved before Roman forces
withdrew back to Gaul.
Illustrated guides to castles, abbeys and other old buildings and ruins
Illustrated guides to stone circles, barrows, henges and other ancient sites
Illustrated guides to old and ancient sites from beyond Albion's shores
Information and articles documenting Albion's past
Stories of travels around the provinces of Albion
Interactive map of Albion's historic sites
News from around Albion's ancient shores
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