Stonehenge, a Neolithic wonder in southern England, has troubled historians and archaeologists for centuries for its mysteries.
How was it builded? What was its purpose? Where do its towering rocks come from?
The last question could finally be answered after the publication on Wednesday of an investigation that found that most of the giant stones that make up the place, known as “sarsens”, seem to share a common origin 25 miles away in West Woods, an area of great prehistoric activity.
The findings reinforce the theory that the megaliths were brought to Stonehenge at practically the same time: some 2,500 years before Christ.
That period agrees with the second phase of construction of the monument, which in turn could be a sign that its builders belonged to a highly organized society.
This study, published in the scientific journal Science Advances, also contradicts previous claims that a large rock specifically, the Heel Stone, belongs to the vicinity of the site and that it was erected before the rest.
David Nash, director of research and professor of physical geography at the University of Brighton, told AFP that the technology required to analyze stones, which are up to nine meters tall and weigh as much as 30 metric tons, did not exist until recently. little bit.
Nash and his team used portable x-rays to analyze the chemical composition of rocks, which are 99% silica but contain traces of various other elements.
“That revealed to us that most stones have a common chemical composition, which led us to determine that what we are looking for here is a single source, “said the researcher.
They then examined two core samples from one of the rocks that had been obtained during restoration work in 1958, but had been lost until they reappeared in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Thus, they applied to the samples a more sophisticated analysis technique called mass spectrometry, which detects a greater range of elements with more precision.
The result of the composition was then compared with 20 possible places of origin of these sedimentary rocks, being West Woods and Wiltshire the closest places.
“Huge effort”
Previous research found that smaller stones from Stonehenge came from Wales, about 200 kilometers to the west.
The new study ensures that those stones and the “sarsen” were located at the same time.
“So it must have been a huge effort at the time.”Nash argued. “Stonehenge is like a convergence of materials brought from different places,” he said.
How the early British were able to transport is still unknown. for 25 kilometers the enormous rocks, although the predominant idea is that they were dragged with sleds.
However, the significance of the place remains a mystery. “I think we have a very organized society here,” Nash said.
As for why it was chosen West Woods As the origin of the stones, the professor considered that it could have been pragmatism, as it is one of the closest places.
But abundant early neolithic activity has been detected in the area, with numerous tombs – known as burial mounds -, large circular excavations and a rock that was used to sharpen axes.
Nash said the method devised by the research team could help answer more archaeological questions, such as the route used to transport the stones, which could be determined if the colossus’ flakes are found at the landmarks.
He and his team also hope to use the technique in other places where “sarsens” are erected.
–
