Prehistoric Builders Moved 25-Ton Stones

Introduction to the Devil's Arrows

The Devil's Arrows, located in the Yorkshire village of Boroughbridge, are Britain's tallest surviving prehistoric stone row, with three pillars reaching almost 23 feet tall. For centuries, the origin of these enormous stones has been shrouded in mystery, with local folklore suggesting that they were thrown by the Devil. However, new research has shed light on the true story behind the Devil's Arrows, revealing that prehistoric builders transported the 25-ton stones 11 miles from a natural rock formation known as Brimham Rocks.

Tracing the Origins of the Stones

To determine the origin of the stones, researchers used a low-impact sampling technique, collecting tiny mineral grains from the surfaces of the pillars using adhesive tape. The grains, which included zircon and apatite, were then analyzed and compared with samples from possible source locations. The results matched the stones to Brimham Rocks, a rugged area in North Yorkshire, located at least 11 miles west of the Devil's Arrows. This discovery challenges previous ideas that the stones were obtained from a closer source, such as Plumpton Rocks, which is only eight miles away.

The Significance of the Discovery

The findings suggest that the builders of the Devil's Arrows deliberately chose Brimham Rocks as the source of the stones, despite the extra effort required to transport them. This decision may have been driven by the cultural, symbolic, or spiritual significance of the landscape around Brimham Rocks. The discovery highlights the importance of landscape and shared belief systems in prehistoric monument building and demonstrates the remarkable effort involved in transporting and raising stones of this size. As Dr. Jim Leary, co-author of the study, noted, "These results show that ancient communities were making deliberate and meaningful choices about where their stones came from."

The Process of Moving and Raising the Stones

The pillars are thought to have been erected during the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, possibly around 2000 B.C.E. Each stone weighs roughly 28 U.S. tons, making their transport a substantial undertaking. The researchers believe that the stones were transported and raised using a combination of planning, coordination, and engineering skill. The discovery of the stones' origin provides a new perspective on the construction of the Devil's Arrows and highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and symbolic context of prehistoric monuments.

Future Research and Implications

The researchers plan to use their non-invasive technique to study other standing stones whose origins remain uncertain. They also hope to carry out targeted excavations at both the Devil's Arrows and Brimham Rocks to better understand when the stones were moved and how the monuments were constructed. The discovery of the Devil's Arrows' origin has significant implications for our understanding of prehistoric monument building and the cultural practices of ancient communities. As Justin Scully, National Trust General Manager for Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal and Brimham Rocks, noted, "The findings establish a direct connection between Brimham Rocks and the Devil's Arrows, linking two distinctive Yorkshire landscapes."

Conclusion and Real-World Implications

The story of the Devil's Arrows is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of prehistoric builders. The discovery of the stones' origin provides a new perspective on the construction of this ancient monument and highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and symbolic context of prehistoric sites. The research has significant implications for our understanding of prehistoric monument building and the cultural practices of ancient communities. It also demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary research and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.

Sources

This is an original synthesis by Qivorane based on reporting from the outlets below.