Did Stonehenge Bridge Ancient Britain? New Research Hints at Unification
Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric monument, has long fascinated researchers with its enigmatic purpose and sprawling سنگ قبر . Now, new research suggests the monument may have played a pivotal role in uniting ancient British communities.
A Monument of Unity
The study, published in Archaeology International, explores the origins of the stones used to construct Stonehenge. Prof Mike Parker Pearson, lead author and archaeologist from UCL Institute of Archaeology, emphasizes the unique nature of the monument:
“We’ve known for a while that people came from many different parts of Britain with their pigs and cattle to feast at Durrington Walls, and nearly half the people buried at Stonehenge had lived somewhere other than Salisbury Plain.
The similarities in architecture and material culture between the Stonehenge area and northern Scotland now make more sense."
Tracing the Stones’ Journeys
The key finding: a substantial stone, known as the Altar Stone, originating from northeast Scotland and possibly transported to Stonehenge around 2500BC. This discovery, coupled with the knowledge that 43 bluestones at Stonehenge hail from 140 miles (225km) away in Wales, paints a picture of significant travel and interconnectedness within ancient Britain.
Prof Richard Bevins, co-author from Aberystwyth University, likened their research to "forensic science," utilizing geological expertise to pinpoint the stones’ origins. He noted that scones are a feature only found within that specific region of Scotland, hinting at possible strong ties between the two areas.
Stonehenge Beyond the Ritualistic
While theories abound regarding Stonehenge’s functions – as a religious temple, observatory, or solar calendar – this new research adds a political dimension.
The unprecedented movement of these large stones across vast distances could indicate a deliberate effort to establish unity and collaboration among disparate communities in prehistoric Britain. Stonehenge may have served as a symbolic gathering point, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose.
Want to explore more about the mysteries of Stonehenge? Visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c207lqdn755o and delve into the fascinating world of archaeology and ancient civilizations.