Prehistoric 'Ancestor' of Stonehenge Discovered in England

Archaeologists have unearthed a prehistoric monument near Stonehenge that predates the famous stone circle by 500 years. The newly discovered site, located in Bulford, southern England, consists of two post holes that once held wooden posts, believed to have been aligned with the sun during the summer and winter solstices.

Researchers estimate the monument to be approximately 5,000 years old. "Two post holes tell me much more about the people 5,000 years ago," said Phil Harding of Wessex Archaeology, who led the excavation. "They reveal how they thought, how they behaved, how they worshipped the sky."

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Two post holes tell me much more about the people 5,000 years ago. They reveal how they thought, how they behaved, how they worshipped the sky.

The site also yielded artifacts such as pottery, stone tools, and animal bones, indicating that prehistoric inhabitants used the area for ritualistic or social gatherings. The alignment of the post holes with the sun's solstices mirrors the astronomical significance of Stonehenge, though on a much simpler scale. The posts, estimated to be between 2 and 4 meters tall, were positioned 120 meters apart.

Detailed analysis of the alignment, including reconstructing the sky from 5,000 years ago, was conducted by archaeoastronomer Dr. Fabio Silva. He noted that the sky's appearance changes very slowly over centuries. "Essentially, we have to reconstruct the sky, see how exactly it was 5,000 years ago, where the Sun rose and at what time it rose in these places," he stated. The discovery offers a unique glimpse into the early astronomical practices and beliefs of ancient Britons.

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Essentially, we have to reconstruct the sky, see how exactly it was 5,000 years ago, where the Sun rose and at what time it rose in these places.