The age-old enigma of the Stonehenge megaliths has long intrigued historians and scientists. These imposing structures, true silent witnesses to the past, have finally revealed part of their secrets thanks to a revolutionary discovery published in the journal Science Direct.
A major scientific breakthrough on the origin of sarsens
Renowned geomorphologist Professor David Nash led a team of researchers who unraveled the mystery surrounding the origins of Stonehenge’s gigantic sarsen stones. These stone colossi, each weighing around 20 tonnes and measuring up to 7 meters high, constitute the main framework of the Neolithic monument.
Thanks to modern scientific techniques and the unexpected return of a sample taken from “Stone 58” during repairs in the 1950s, researchers were able to precisely determine the provenance of these stones. Scientists confirm a “third state” between life and death, and this Stonehenge discovery proves that science can solve age-old enigmas.
The sarsens, which form the central horseshoe, the uprights and lintels of the outer circle, as well as several peripheral stones such as the Heel Stone, the Slaughter Stone and the Station Stones, come from West Woods, on the edge from the Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire.
Methodology and results of the study
Professor Nash’s team undertook a series of rigorous analyzes to confirm their hypotheses:
- Non-destructive testing of all remaining sarsens at Stonehenge
- Analysis of sarsen outcrops in various regions of England
- Comparison of chemical composition of samples
- Destructive test on the core recovered from Stone 58
The results revealed a striking chemical similarity between the majority of stones at Stonehenge, suggesting a common origin. Final analysis of the core confirmed that the composition of Stone 58 perfectly matched that of the West Woods sarsens.
Susan Greaney, senior historian at English Heritage, highlighted the importance of this discovery: “Being able to identify the area of origin of the materials used by the builders of Stonehenge around 2500 BC is a real eye-opener. allows us to better understand their journey and add a crucial piece to the puzzle.”
Implications for our understanding of Stonehenge
This discovery reveals the meticulous planning and deliberate choices of Stonehenge’s Neolithic architects. Unlike bluestones, selected for potentially sacred reasons relating to the Preseli Hills of Wales, sarsens appear to have been chosen primarily for their imposing size.
Professor Nash highlighted the importance of modern technologies in this breakthrough: “It is exciting to use 21st century science to understand the Neolithic past and finally answer a question that has intrigued archaeologists for centuries.”
Here is a summary table of the main discoveries:
| Element | Origin | Distance from Stonehenge |
|---|---|---|
| Sarsen stones | West Woods, Wiltshire | About 40 minutes by car |
| Blue stones | Preseli Hills, Wales | More than 250 km |
Future prospects for archaeological research
This advance opens the way for new research into the transportation and construction methods used by Neolithic builders. Scientists can now explore in more detail the possible routes taken to transport these massive stones a considerable distance.
Combining modern analytical techniques, such as mass spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, with serendipitous discoveries like the return of the core of Stone 58, validates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving historical puzzles.
As the mystery of Stonehenge’s origins becomes clearer, new questions emerge about the motivations and technical abilities of our Neolithic ancestors. This thought-provoking discovery promises to revolutionize our understanding of one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric monuments, providing a captivating insight into the ingenuity and determination of our distant ancestors.
