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The Uffington bronze age white horse
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The Uffington bronze age white horse
Head of the Uffington white horse with modern pagan flower tribute in the eye. The Uffington White horse (Oxfordshire, UK) consists of a series of trenches dug into a hill and filled with chalk. At over 110 metres long it is the largest and oldest of the " white horse" figures found in Britain having been dated to between approximately 1200-800 BCE by optical stimulated luminescence testing (OSL) of the soil beneath the trenches. Its purpose is unknown. It may have been a cult symbol of the horse goddess Rhiannon, or a representative of the mount of the sun god Belinos. The steep sided dry valley in the distance is the manger where local lore has it the horse feeds on a moonlit night. The flat topped hill centre upper of picture is Dragon Hill, which is a natural mound associated in legend with St. George
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Media ID 6319241
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Archaeology Archeology Bronze Age Celtic Chalk Pagan Pre Historic Chalk Figure Dragon Hill Luminescence Nazca White Horse
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This print showcases the iconic Uffington Bronze Age White Horse, a remarkable archaeological wonder nestled in Oxfordshire, UK. The image focuses on the majestic head of the horse, adorned with a modern pagan flower tribute delicately placed within its eye. The Uffington White Horse is an extraordinary creation consisting of trenches meticulously carved into a hill and filled with chalk. Stretching over 110 meters in length, it proudly holds the title of being Britain's largest and oldest "white horse" figure. Through optical stimulated luminescence testing (OSL) conducted on the soil beneath these trenches, experts have dated this enigmatic masterpiece to approximately 1200-800 BCE. Despite extensive research and speculation, its true purpose remains shrouded in mystery. Some believe it may have served as a sacred symbol for Rhiannon, the horse goddess or represented Belinos' mount - the sun god. Local folklore adds to its allure by suggesting that this ethereal creature feeds at night in the nearby manger under moonlight. Intriguingly positioned amidst this enchanting landscape is Dragon Hill - a flat-topped natural mound steeped in legend and associated with St. George. This photograph not only captures an ancient marvel but also invites us to ponder upon our ancestors' beliefs and their profound connection to nature and spirituality.
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