A team of experts has uncovered the remains of a monument aligned with the sun that was built five centuries before the famous English landmark.
Archaeologists uncover Stonehenge prototype: 500 years older and simpler
Just three miles from the famous and mysterious Stonehenge in southern England, archaeologists have confirmed the existence of a structure that appears to have served as an earlier, simpler version of the monument. The site dates back approximately 5,000 years, placing it about 500 years before the massive stone blocks that now make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site were erected.
Stonehenge
Although the area was cleared a decade ago during construction work for military housing in the town of Bulford, only now have detailed analyses revealed its true significance. Unlike its much larger counterpart, which is made up of enormous stone structures, all that remains of this early prototype are two pits in the ground. Researchers are convinced, however, that these pits once supported large wooden posts that were precisely aligned with the summer and winter solstices.
A center for sun worship
Phil Harding, the archaeologist leading the excavation for the British firm Wessex Archaeology, said that after examining the layout of the pits, he decided to draw a line between them using “a pencil and a ruler.” He immediately realized that they pointed in exactly the same direction as the sunrise on the summer solstice, mirroring the alignment found at Stonehenge.
Inside the pits, the team discovered fragments of pottery, charcoal, and a substantial quantity of animal bones. These findings led researchers to conclude that the site was used for religious ceremonies connected to the solar cycle.
In addition, a strangely shaped knife was found in the pit that experts believe served as the primary observation point. Evidence suggests it was not accidentally lost but intentionally placed there as an offering or symbolic object.
Given the close proximity of the two sites and their shared purpose, researchers see a clear connection between them. As Matt Leivers, the project’s research director, explained, it is difficult to imagine that the people who conducted rituals at this monument and those who later began constructing the earliest phase of Stonehenge were not familiar with one another.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.