Devon's archaeological resource preserves the evidence that allows us to reconstruct our history from the furthest past to recent periods. Hand-axes from the Lower Palaeolithic [Stone Age] are found in the Axminster area, while cave finds from the Upper Palaeolithic are known from South Devon.

Mesolithic and Neolithic finds, principally of stone tools, are scattered throughout the county; there are four examples of Neolithic causewayed enclosures. Dartmoor is particularly notable for its upstanding prehistoric remains, domestic, agricultural and ritual, dating from throughout the prehistoric period and beyond. Bronze Age barrows are found not only on Dartmoor but elsewhere throughout the county, as are Iron Age hill forts, some, like Hembury, major field monuments.

Coin Photo: Reproduced by kind permission of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter

Alongside these forts are lesser enclosed settlements of farmstead scale. Of these, many only survive below-ground, and are, therefore, only visible as crop marks. This type of settlement lasted through the Roman period, continuing to exist alongside the much less common Romanised sites, especially those of the town of Exeter with its legionary fortress, walls and bath house.

Outside Exeter other evidence of the influence of the Roman conquest consists of camps, forts and fortlets, a few villas and fragments of the imperial road system. Evidence of the post-Roman inhabitants of Devon is even slimmer, although there are remarkable finds of imported 6th century AD pottery from South Devon, but increasingly discoveries shed light on a vital but archaeologically elusive period.