The first noticeable structure within the Ráith Na Rig or Fort of the Kings is a Neolithic passage tomb known as ‘The Mound of the Hostages’, or to give it its correct Gaelic name ‘Dumha Na nGiall’. This is most likely the oldest structure at Tara and is believed to have been built sometime around 3000 B.C. This makes it over 5000 years old. The name is actually quite misleading; this was most certainly not a burial site for prisoners. Considering its location right next to the Royal Seat, the people that were buried here, would have most likely been of significant importance. The truth is that the term ‘Mound of the Hostages’ was a later name given to this mound and derives from the ancient custom of the Ard Ri taking members of lesser kings families into his own to ensure their loyalty. Although they are known as hostages, they would have lived quite good lives and would have been treated no differently than the Ard Ri’s own family. Why this burial mound was given the misleading name is unclear? Perhaps it was here where the exchange of hostages would have taken place, or maybe this part of the Royal city is where these hostages might have resided? One of the most famous Kings at Tara was Niall Noígíallach or Niall of the Nine Hostages. He was the founder of one of the most influential families in Ireland with twenty-six of his descendants becoming High Kings of Ireland. It is said that there are over 3 million people living today, whom are descendants from this bloodline. Niall was famous for his use of hostages and his name derives from the fact that he was said to have kept one hostage from each of the five provinces of Ireland and four from Britain, (yes back in the day there were five main kingdoms in Ireland, Uladh or Ulster in the North, Laigin or Leinster in the east, Mumhan or Munster in the south, Cruachan or Connacht in the west and Midhe or Meath right in the center).
The first thing you might notice is that its design is quite similar to the nearby Cairn at Newgrange, be it on a much smaller scale. Despite its age, it would appear to be in really good condition when compared with similar tombs at Knowth, Loughcrew and Newgrange. And it’s the only other site on Tara that has been properly excavated along with the Rath of the Synods. The mound itself is almost dome shaped, measuring approx 15-16 meters across which rises to a height of about 3 meters. As you can see from the diagram below there is a cut-out in the north east part of the mound for the enterance, which was framed by two standing stones. Today there is a big dirty Iron Gate and padlock preventing entry, but you can still peek through these bars and view the inside. The inner chamber is only about four meters in length, by about a meter wide and almost 2 meters in height. This four meter chamber is basically the outer chamber; there were two other similar chambers behind this. Presumably these were either blocked off or filled in after the extensive excavations back in the late 50’s. Thankfully there is a rather interesting items contained within the chamber. It’s a rather impressive orthostat, containing a number of engravings, which some say represent celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon and Stars. Another theory is that it is a prehistoric calendar? Another interesting theory I came across, was that this was an ancient map of Tara itself. Whilst some parts do match up, it is not an exact match from what we can see today. But then the landscape of Tara would have well been very different back then.
The people whom constructed these tombs displayed a far knowledge of both construction and astronomy. As was common practise with many of these passage tombs, the Mound of the Hostages was aligned in such a way that the rising sun would shine down the passageway and light up the chamber. This only happens twice a year, on the morning of Feb 4, Imbolc and Nov 8, Samhain. The three main chambers were once used to store the remains of the deceased and the mound is believed to have been in use from the early Neolithic period right up until around 1600-1700B.C. presumably because they ran out of space? It was common practise back then to be cremated, and so the ashes or charred remains would be placed on the floor of the tomb along with some grave goods. During excavations their where many items such as bone pins, pottery, urns and stone beads found amongst the remains. It is believed that there were between 250-500 remains buried within the mound, each burial was covered over with a stone slab and stacked in layers. From previous excavations we know that many burials continued at the mound during the Bronze Age, in fact there were so many, that they ran out of room in the passage and had to resort to putting burials directly on the mound. With over 40 remains being removed from the mound, many contained cremated ashes which were covered by various urns. There was one full body recovered from the mound. It was that of a Bronze Age adolescent, who was put into a small pit on the mound in a crouched position along with a decorated bead necklace, bronze knife and awl.
After some recent archaeology investigations by the Discovery Programme at Tara some new evidence has been found which revealed that the entire hill of Tara was surrounded by a massive Henge dating back 5000 years ago. This find is said to have been a three meter wide trench with rows of large posts erected at a distance of one meter on either side of it. The top of the mound is the highest point on Tara and from here on a clear day; there are some stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can even see Slane hill and the hills of Loughcrew. One of the great things about the solar alignment at the mound is that you can easily see it, weather permitting of course. Unlike the much larger tomb at Newgrange, where there is a lottery system in place to gain access at winter Solstice. On a final note there is a rather interesting connection between the Mound of the Hostages and a certain young hero Fionn MacCumhaill whose brave actions saved Tara on one faithful Samhain night. I won’t tell the full story here as I had planned to use it in a later piece. Some of you may already know about the Monster Aillén Mac Midgna whom terrorized Tara every year. On that faithful night Fionn was able to beat the Faerie magic of Aillén and chased him out of the great Hall at Tara. When he finally caught up to the monster it has been said that the fatal blow which killed Aillén was at the mound of the Hostages.
For these and more of my images, why not visit my Website or join me on Facebook or Twitter.
Special place; well captured!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, it sure is, glad you liked it 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful photos, Ed, and v. informative post. Was interested in the reference to the adoption of ‘hostages’- the family members of lesser kings. A similar tactic was used by the Inca to strengthen the Empire, the sons of conquered leaders brought into the Inca fold. Very effective.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tish, it seemed to be a poular practise amongst many ancient cultures, although by medieval times the role of the hostage changed and would not have been as plesant 🙂
LikeLike
Another great piece, Ed. I havent been to Tara in a long while. I see theyve fenced off the mound now, is that permenant or temporary? Also what do you think of the crazy paving effect to the entrance of the mound? I saw pics of it just after it had been done, it looked horrendous, not like restoration at all, but maybe it looks better now it has aged and weathered a bit. I love that story of Fionn mac Cumhaill btw, but you already know that! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ali, The fencing must have been temporary during the restorations. the paving isnt so bad, it seems to have blended in over time, I guess it was a nessecary evil to combat wear and tear at the mound. My Mum told me that she went their on a school trip one year and their was no gaate on the entrance. Its a shame that you cant go inside and that they blocked of the two inner chambers. Makes me wonder what is in there ???
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dont get the conspiracy theorist in me started! I think that about Knowth. By all accounts the interior was very well preserved. The passageway is very well described, but not the chambers. The amount of stone art suggests this was a particularly significant site, yet it has been sealed with concrete and an iron gate. So is it really sealed inside, or is access available to a chosen few? And why? What did they find inside? Mounds were said to be the gateway to the Otherworld. People assume the spirits of the dead passing over. Im not so sure. What if it was more literal than that? 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, its a head wrecker for sure Ali, and what about the underground Temple on Tara? when the powers that be start hiding stuff and blocking public access to national monuments there has to be more to it than they are letting on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Underground temple??? Thats a new one on me! Got any links on that? I never believed the Lia Fail is the actual stone, either.
LikeLike
Let me check when I was researching I came across something about radar penetration, Thats how they found it.
Lia Fail is most certainly a fake. I stood there, touched it and it never screamed out, so it must be a fake LOL.
The pillow of Jacob is obviously the monks putting a christian spin on old pagan history.
And Im not so sure about the Stone of Scone either.
Think about it, why would the DeDannan leave with only three quaters of their Treasures????
LikeLike
Exactly! Totally agree with all those points! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh… I like this
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating, Ed. The teenager whose remains were found – do you think he or she was some special person? The age of this boggles the mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Noelle, considering that they were buried within the Royal enclosure would be grounds enough to believe that they were of signifigant importance. And then the grave goods found in the pit would back this up. It sureis a wonderous place, which only gets better after dark 🙂
LikeLike
Not sure I’d want to be there after dark – spooky!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not at all Noelle, the place seems to come alive after dark, it’s magical 😁
LikeLike
This put me in mind of the ancient Egyptians, Ed, doing similar things at around the same time, but on a larger scale. Another valuable history lesson, and as usual, well-illustrated too.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s right Pete, but the tomb at newgrange is much older than the pyramids👍😁
LikeLike
Very true, Ed. I was thinking of a tomb I had been to in the Valley of The Kings. It is around 3,000 years old, so modern by comparison with your one!
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating. Great photos and article. Enjoy the comments discussion too.
LikeLike
Fascinating read Ed. I definitely found this to be the most impressive part of Tara on my visit, due to it still being prominent today, and its great to have the benefit of your knowledge on the location.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Aidy, I just love it out here, got a few more to go before I’m finished😁
LikeLike
Always a great day when we can beat fairie magic! Now if we could just beat misogyny, homophobia, and racism…
6 stars out of 5!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Dan, 😁
LikeLike
Personally Ed, I enjoy the depth you go through in explanation of as much information as you possibly can find with your exquisite photos you have for each of your posts, very well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
very wonderful post, nice pictures! interesting and great information!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you , so glad that you enjoyed it 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most interesting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It only gets better, watch out for the next few posts😁
LikeLike
I didn’t see fencing when I was there either two years back. These tombs are similar to the well known one in the Orkneys too- Maeshowe cairn with the solstice alignment and shining through the door and the three chambers.Thanks for your wonderful and informative histories Ed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, I think the fencing protects the outer chamber from collapsing.
LikeLike
Wonderful shots and history.
LikeLike
Much appreciated Jeni, but it’s easy when you have such wonderful places to explore👍👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting stuff Ed. You really do like the old things and write at a prolific rate about them. You would do well on Mastermind’s specialist subject!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol, thanks Cameron, I’m a bit geeky on the subject, or so the wife tells me😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately they are usually right much to the mans dismay😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what we let them think 😉
LikeLike
I never said that…!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
True, but I did and I can get away with it cause the trouble and strife nevers reads my blog lol👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha Ha Ha!!
LikeLike
I’ve made it quite clear to my nearest and dearest—I’m having one of those when I die.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A girl after my own heart, I so want one aswell, perhaps they might let us add a couple to Tara??
LikeLike
Too noisy. I think I’ll go for one up on Inishowen with the family 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds good, the royal seat of the Kingdom of Ailech. Another place I have to go and explore 🙂
LikeLike
Take your waders 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh really, I know its wild up there, seriously???
LikeLike
Just in case you get blown off a cliff 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, Ill bring my Bear Grylls survival gear so 🙂
LikeLike
Hope you won’t be needing it. I believe the coastguards are very friendly fellas though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fingers crossed I wont meet them, till im in the pub 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have enjoyed your Tara posts – fascinating!! Thanks, Ed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear it Aine, a fewmore to go yet 🙂
LikeLike
The fence makes a great photo but in real life it must spoil the atmosphere of the mound. Enjoyed reading your account. I had to concentrate on Newgrange and Dowth when I was over – time was short and commuting to Ireland from NZ is becoming a pipe dream, so I appreciate your info and background. Des.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure Des, if we dont have dreams we have nothing. Suprisingly the fence actually blends in well with the surounds. I assume it was put there to prevent the collapse of the mound over the entrance. To be honest I have seen alot worse at other heritage sites 🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on historyfantasyfiction.
LikeLike
Wonderfully atmospheric. The mysterious and mystical still present. Regards Thom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Thom, it sure is a fantastic place, and with a fantastic history. It only gets better after dark 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person