Researchers have identified what they believe to be an earlier version of Stonehenge approximately 3 miles from the renowned prehistoric site in Bulford, England. The structure, consisting of two wooden posts positioned roughly 120 meters apart and standing between 2 and 4 meters high, has been dated to approximately 5,000 years ago, making it roughly 500 years older than Stonehenge itself.
The wooden posts, which have long since decomposed, were positioned to align with the rising and setting Sun during the summer and winter solstices, functioning in a manner similar to the more elaborate stone monument. Archaeologists only recently completed a detailed analysis of the alignment by reconstructing the positions of celestial bodies as they appeared 5,000 years ago. The alignment was confirmed to be precise when accounting for the width of the posts, with accuracy to the solstice sunrise and sunset positions.
Excavation of the Bulford site, which began following ground clearing for military housing a decade ago, uncovered numerous artifacts surrounding the post holes. These discoveries included decorated pottery fragments, flint tools, antler digging implements, and carved animal bones. Notably, researchers recovered a rare Neolithic disc-shaped flint knife, characterized by exceptional craftsmanship and found in an upright position, suggesting intentional placement that may have held symbolic meaning.
Radiocarbon dating of the discovered artifacts established the site’s age at approximately 5,000 years. Researchers suggest the Bulford discovery indicates that people building the earliest phases of Stonehenge may have been based at or regularly gathered at Bulford. The alignment with solstices appears linked to the seasonal concerns of early farming communities, with winter solstice potentially holding particular significance as a time to mark the year’s darkest period and encourage the return of spring.
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