Archaeologists have unearthed a 5,000-year-old structure near Stonehenge, believed to be a prototype for the iconic monument’s alignment with the solstices. This discovery, made just before the summer solstice, suggests that ancient communities were already engaging in solar alignments centuries before the main stone circle was erected.
The structure consisted of two wooden poles, positioned 120 metres apart, aligned with the rising sun during the summer solstice and the setting sun in winter. This finding indicates that the site was likely a focal point for significant religious gatherings, highlighting the importance of solar events in Neolithic culture.
The excavation, part of a Ministry of Defence project, revealed artifacts such as pottery and animal bones, suggesting that large groups congregated at the site. The alignment of the structure with the solstices was confirmed using advanced astronomical techniques, indicating a sophisticated understanding of celestial events by these early communities.
This discovery not only deepens our understanding of the origins of Stonehenge but also suggests that the traditions surrounding solstice celebrations have much older roots than previously thought, potentially linking the builders of the two sites.
Source: LBC News
