According to new research, the huge stones at Stonehenge in southern England were only 15.5 miles away.
Most of the sarsens, or sandstone rocks, come from West Woods in the English county of Wiltshire, the researchers explain, citing the stones’ chemical composition. Sarsens are up to 30 feet tall and can weigh up to 25 tons.
The research is published in the journal Science Advances.
Stonehenge was like the old ‘LEGO’, experts say
“Until recently, we didn’t know it was possible to originate a stone like Sarsen,” said David Nash, the study’s lead author, in a statement. “It has been really exciting to use 21st century science to understand the Neolithic past and answer a question that archaeologists have debated for centuries.”
Stock Photo: A sprinkler irrigates the grass surrounding the ancient site of Stonehenge, southern England, April 30, 2011
(REUTERS / Chris Helgren)
Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (PXRF) was used to analyze the stones. Next, the researchers performed inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ICP atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) on samples of a core previously drilled through a sarsen stone and a range of sarsen rocks from the southern Britain. ” Scientists explained in the statement.
This brought scientists to West Woods. “Why the monument’s builders selected this site remains a mystery, though researchers suggest that the size and quality of the West Woods stones, and the ease with which the builders were able to access them, may have influenced in the decision, “they explained in the statement.
STONEHENGE’S MISSING PIECE RETURNED 60 YEARS AFTER IT WAS REMOVED DURING THE EXCAVATION
Stonehenge remains a source of fascination for historians. Earlier this year, English Heritage, which oversees the famous site, noted that parts of Stonehenge resemble an old “Lego”.
In 2018, experts said the site may have been built using the famous Greek philosopher Pythagoras’ theorem 2 millennia before the mathematical equation was developed.
Last year, a missing piece of Stonehenge was returned 60 years after it disappeared during an archaeological excavation.
STONEHENGE FEAST DISCOVERY EXCITES EXPERTS
The first monument on the site, one of the first “henge”, was built about 5,000 years ago. The world-famous stone circle was built around 2,500 BC during the late Neolithic period.
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The World Heritage site is known for its alignment with the movements of the sun: thousands of people travel to the site near Amesbury in southern England to mark the summer and winter solstices.
Chris Ciaccia of The Associated Press and Fox News contributed to this article.
Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
