Overton Down

Overton Down Experimental Earthwork is a pioneering long-term experiment in archaeology on Overton Down, Wiltshire, England. Built in 1960, an earthwork was constructed to simulate ancient structures, with various objects buried within it to study degradation over time. The experiment was designed to be sectioned at intervals of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 years, providing empirical data on taphonomy and how archaeological features are denuded and buried. Key findings showed the earthwork decayed quickly in early years but then stabilised, offering insights applicable to interpreting prehistoric monuments.