Oxford’s prehistory is a fascinating journey back to ancient times. In fact, did you know that the area around Oxford has evidence of human activity stretching back thousands of years? That’s right. The prehistory of the region provides an important context for understanding the long history of human activity in the area, so it’s always interesting to dive into it.
The artefacts and sites discovered from prehistoric periods, such as tools, pottery, and burial mounds, offer insights into the daily lives, technologies, and cultural practices of ancient peoples. This can help us understand how early communities in Britain lived and interacted with their environment. Discovering these prehistoric sites and artefacts of Oxford can connect us to the broader cultural heritage of the British Isles, underscoring the region’s role in the early human story.
Overall, delving into Oxford’s prehistory is like piecing together a puzzle that illuminates the long and varied human story behind one of the world’s most renowned academic cities. So, should we take a closer look?
What was Oxford Like in Prehistoric Times?
Oxford’s prehistory, while not as extensively documented as some other regions, provides an intriguing glimpse into the early human activities in the area. The evidence gathered from archaeological finds, including tools, pottery, and burial sites, helps reconstruct the lifestyles, technologies, and social structures of ancient peoples. This rich tapestry of prehistory underscores the long history of human settlement and adaptation in the Oxford area, offering a backdrop to the more well-documented historical periods that followed.
Here’s a more detailed look at the different phases of prehistory in the Oxford region.
Paleolithic Era (circa 800,000 - 10,000 BCE)
The Paleolithic era, or Old Stone Age, marks the earliest known human presence in the Oxford area. Although there are no extensive Paleolithic sites directly in Oxford, artefacts such as flint tools found in the surrounding regions indicate that early hunter-gatherers traversed the area.
These tools suggest that the region was occasionally occupied by small groups of people who hunted and gathered food in the ancient forests and wetlands.
- Evidence: Direct evidence from this era is sparse in Oxford itself, but nearby areas have provided artefacts. For instance, flint tools and other Paleolithic artefacts have been found in various locations around Oxfordshire.
- Notable Sites: The Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the Ashmolean Museum house collections that include prehistoric tools and artefacts from the broader region.
Mesolithic Era (circa 10,000 - 4,000 BCE)
As the Ice Age ended and the climate warmed, the Oxford area began to recover from glaciation. During the Mesolithic period, the landscape was characterized by dense forests and a rich variety of wildlife. Evidence of human activity from this time includes flint tools and microliths (small, flint tools used in composite tools like arrows). The inhabitants of this period were likely semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers who exploited the natural resources of the region, such as fish, game, and edible plants.
- Evidence: Mesolithic artefacts, such as microliths and flint tools, have been discovered in the Oxfordshire area.
- Notable Sites: Specific Mesolithic sites around Oxford are not well-known, but artefacts can be viewed in local museums, including the Ashmolean Museum, which has a range of prehistoric items on display.
Neolithic Era (circa 4,000 - 2,500 BCE)
The Neolithic period brought significant changes with the advent of farming. The development of agriculture led to more permanent settlements and the construction of megalithic monuments. While Oxford itself doesn’t have prominent Neolithic structures, nearby areas do. For example, the presence of long barrows (burial mounds) and henges (earthwork enclosures) in the broader Oxfordshire region reflects the influence of Neolithic communities. This era also saw the introduction of pottery and polished stone tools, marking a shift towards more settled ways of life.
- Evidence: The Neolithic period is marked by the construction of significant monuments such as long barrows and henges.
- Notable Sites:
- Wayland’s Smithy: Located in the nearby Oxfordshire countryside, this Neolithic long barrow is one of the better-preserved sites in the region.
- Uffington White Horse: Though slightly later (Bronze Age), this geoglyph on White Horse Hill may have connections to Neolithic ceremonial practices.
Prehistoric Oxford and Sorrounding Areas: The Wayland’s Smithy
Located in the nearby Oxfordshire countryside, this Neolithic long barrow is one of the better-preserved sites in the region.
Visiting The Uffington White Horse from Oxford – Full Guide
If you’re visiting Oxford and like history, you should definitely consider visiting this 3,000-year-old white horse hill figure in Uffington!
Bronze Age (circa 2,500 - 800 BCE)
During the Bronze Age, the Oxford region experienced increased social complexity and technological advancements. This period saw the construction of burial mounds known as barrows and the use of metal tools and weapons. Bronze Age settlements in Oxfordshire were engaged in agriculture, trade, and metallurgy. Artifacts from this era, such as bronze tools, weapons, and pottery, provide evidence of a more sophisticated society. The presence of hillforts, although more common in other parts of Britain, indicates a period of increased territoriality and social organization.
- Evidence: The Bronze Age is represented by burial mounds (barrows), settlements, and artefacts.
- Notable Sites:
- Ashdown House: Nearby, you can find a notable group of sarsen stones and Alfred’s Castle, an Iron Age hillfort that is officially protected as a scheduled monument.
- Dorchester-on-Thames: A nearby site with Bronze Age artefacts and a history of ancient occupation.
Iron Age (circa 800 BCE - 43 CE)
The Iron Age in the Oxford region was marked by the rise of Celtic tribes and the development of hillforts. While Oxford itself was not a major Iron Age centre, nearby regions had significant hillforts that suggest a well-organized society. Iron Age communities engaged in farming, traded with neighbouring tribes and developed distinct regional cultures. Artefacts from this period, including iron tools and pottery, reflect the technological advancements and cultural practices of the time.
- Evidence: Iron Age hillforts and artefacts provide insights into this period.
- Notable Sites:
- Wittenham Clumps: Located to the southeast of Oxford, these hills are home to an Iron Age hillfort and provide scenic views over the landscape.
Roman Period (43 CE - 410 CE)
Although not prehistoric, it is important to mention the Roman period as it overlaps with the end of the Iron Age. The Romans established settlements in nearby areas such as Alchester and Dorchester-on-Thames, which influenced the broader Oxford region. Roman infrastructure, including roads and villas, impacted the development of the area.
- Evidence: Roman influence in the Oxford region includes settlements, roads, and artifacts.
- Notable Sites:
- Alchester: Near Bicester, this site includes the ruins of a Roman fort and settlement.
- Dorchester-on-Thames: Features remains of a Roman town, including roads, buildings, and artifacts that highlight the Roman occupation of the area.