Excavation of a Neolithic long mortuary enclosure within the Roman legionary fortress at Inchtuthil, Perthshire

Abstract

The eastern half of a rectilinear ditched enclosure was excavated to provide information on its date, structure and function. Two fence-like structures had been erected consecutively along the line of the enclosing ditch; the second fence had been burned in situ. Elements of this fence were dated to the late fourth/early third millennium bc. The eastern end of the enclosure may have been elaborated. No associated artefacts were found. Portions of two Roman barrack blocks were revealed and a legionary axe was recovered from a disturbed pit cut through the eastern end of the prehistoric enclosure.