Knowth

Knowth is the site of a neolithic passage grave, one of the ancient monuments of the Brú na Bóinne complex in the valley of the River Boyne in Ireland.

Related Topics:
Neolithic - Passage grave - Brú na Bóinne - River Boyne - Ireland

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It is around a kilometre north west of the Newgrange monument and 2km west of Dowth

Related Topics:
Newgrange - Dowth

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In terms of megalithic art, Knowth contains more than a quarter of the total number of examples in all Europe. 197 carved stones have been recorded there and 17 further chamber tombs surround the central mound. One of the rock carvings is commonly interpreted as an image of the Moon; if the interpretation is correct, it is the oldest known representation of the Moon.

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By the Iron Age, the hill of Knowth had become a hill fort with encircling defences and souterrains added. During the historical period it was the seat of the kings of Brega before being taken over by the Normans in the twelfth century.

Related Topics:
Iron Age - Hill fort - Souterrain - Brega - Normans

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Legend has Knowth as the entrance to the underworld and one of the tri lorcha Herenn or three dark places of Ireland.

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