A subterranean wonder near Stonehenge has been unearthed, exposing a narrative of bygone resourcefulness that has astonished researchers. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Comments
Experts have revealed an exceptional discovery at the Neolithic Durrington Walls henge, situated just north of the celebrated Stonehenge monument.
A group of 16 consistently shaped, immense holes, creating a circle spanning more than 1.25 miles, have been determined to be the creation of early people, seemingly all excavated around the same time in 2480 B.C.E.
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Since they were found in 2020, research teams from various organizations have been studying the location extensively.
Vince Gaffney, professor and chief expert from the University of Bradford, stated, “The recent work verifies that the circle of shafts surrounding Durrington Walls is unprecedented within the UK.
“These elements were not simply dug and left—they comprised a structured, significant landscape that demonstrates the intricacy and advancement of Neolithic society.”
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Advanced dating techniques reveal pits were dug in short time period
Utilizing a combination of borehole coring, sediment examination, geochemistry, optically stimulated luminescence dating, and environmental DNA, the team affirmed that the holes were dug by humans and dated to the Late Neolithic era, approximately the same time Durrington Walls was erected.
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Tim Kinnaird of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Dating Laboratory at the University of St Andrews emphasized, “The new dating proof, combined with the remarkably uniform geochemical signature observed within the fills at the holes, offers conclusive evidence that they were built by individuals residing at the site over a very brief time period.”
The sheer size and accuracy of the holes have left experts in wonder. Richard Bates, professor at St Andrews, remarked, “The expertise and endeavor that must have been needed not only to excavate the holes, but also to position them so precisely within the landscape, is an amazing feat. When you consider that the holes are distributed over such a vast area, the reality that they are located in an almost perfect circular arrangement is truly remarkable.”
Stonehenge: ‘Mind-blowing’ new discoveries discussed by experts Pits may have marked sacred boundary linked to ceremonial activity
Researchers suggest the holes might have functioned as a sacred border connected to ceremonial actions at Durrington Walls, akin to what transpired at Stonehenge. The delicate clay-silt layers now present in the holes indicate gradual filling over time.
The study, released by Internet Archaeology, displays the effectiveness of employing multiple geophysical and geochemical methods to explore a location. Bates observed, “It is uncommon to have the chance to employ so many geophysical and geochemical methods together to investigate a site, but it demonstrates the effectiveness of doing so when you do.”
This pioneering discovery at Durrington Walls henge casts new light on the advancement and intricacy of Neolithic society, exposing the incredible accomplishments of engineering and coordination achieved by early humans millennia ago.