Ancient monument

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Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric ancient monuments.

The Colosseum in Rome

An ancient monument is an early historical structure or monument (e.g., an archaeological site) worthy of preservation and study due to archaeological or heritage interest.

It is defined in the Ancients Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as: (a) any scheduled monument; and (b) any other monument which in the opinion of the Secretary of State is of public interest by reason of the historic, architectural, traditional, artistic or archaeological interest attaching to it.^[1]

In the United Kingdom it is a legal term, differing from the American term National Monument in being far more numerous and always man-made. As scheduled monument, it is the normal designation for legally protected ruins and visible archaeological remains in the United Kingdom.

See also

• Historic preservation
• Scheduled Ancient Monument and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 in the UK
• English Heritage

References

External links

• National Heritage List for England: official list of scheduled ancient monuments in England

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