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5,000-Year-Old Structure May Predate Stonehenge By Centuries

The discovery was made at Bulford in southern England, approximately five kilometers from Stonehenge, and is believed to predate the iconic stone circle by roughly 500 years.

Pic via(@CTVNews)

Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable 5,000-year-old timber monument near Stonehenge that may provide new clues about the origins of one of the world's most famous prehistoric sites.

The discovery was made at Bulford in southern England, approximately five kilometers from Stonehenge, and is believed to predate the iconic stone circle by roughly 500 years.

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The site was identified by researchers from Wessex Archaeology during excavations linked to the British Ministry of Defence's Army Basing Programme. The project was established to support the relocation of military personnel returning from Germany, but it also created an opportunity for archaeologists to investigate previously unexplored land.

Researchers found evidence of two large wooden posts positioned about 120 meters apart and carefully aligned with the rising sun during the summer solstice.

The alignment suggests the monument may have held ceremonial or ritual significance, similar to the astronomical connections associated with Stonehenge. Archaeologists believe the structure represents one of the earliest known examples of solstice-focused construction in Britain.

Excavations at the site also uncovered a variety of artifacts, including pottery fragments, animal bones, and a rare disc-shaped flint knife.

These finds are helping researchers build a clearer picture of the people who occupied the area and the activities that took place there thousands of years ago.

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Experts say the discovery is particularly significant because it demonstrates that sophisticated monument building and astronomical observation were already taking place in the region centuries before Stonehenge was constructed.

The findings may help researchers better understand how ceremonial traditions evolved over time and eventually culminated in the creation of the world-renowned prehistoric monument.

The newly discovered timber structure adds another chapter to the rich archaeological landscape surrounding Stonehenge and offers valuable insight into the beliefs, engineering skills, and cultural practices of Britain's ancient inhabitants.

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