Detail view looking SE across the centre of Wing turf cut maze (unicursal labyrinth), Leicestershire, England, UK. The maze is some 40ft (12m) across
Detail view looking SE across the centre of Wing turf cut maze or unicursal labyrinth, Leicestershire (Rutland), England, UK. The maze is some 40ft (12m) across with a single long, winding & reversing grass path eventually leading to the centre. It was laid out in the Middle Ages, possibly by monks on a much older ceremonial & ritual site. Turf mazes are associated with Julius son of Aeneas (legendary founder of Rome) who brought maze funeral games to Italy from Troy after it was sacked by the Greeks. Mazes are also linked with the legend of Theseus threading the Cretan labyrinth to slay the Minotaur: such labyrinths are known as Julian's Bower, Game of Troy, Classical, Cretan or Chartres after the maze in the floor of Chartres Cathedral. Maze patterns were adopted by the early Church as a symbol of the Christian path to Salvation, some were used by penitents crawling to the centre on hands & knees. They were also used for games, dancing & recreation.
Size: 3624px × 4800px
Location: Wing Turf maze, Glaston Road, Wing, Uppingham, Oakham, Rutland (Leicestershire), England, UK
Photo credit: © Mick Sharp / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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