The Devil's Arrows: Insights into Prehistoric Construction
A recent investigation led by Curtin University in partnership with York University reveals that prehistoric builders intentionally hauled massive 25-ton stones at least 18 kilometers to create the Devil's Arrows, a stone monument near Boroughbridge in northern England. Researchers identified Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire as the geological origin of these stones. Previously, it was believed that natural forces might have moved the stones, but this new study rules out that possibility.
Standing up to seven meters tall, the Devil's Arrows date back to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, likely around 2000 BCE. The study employed a novel sampling technique using adhesive tape, which enabled a precise connection between the stones and their geological source.
Dr. Anthony Clark explained: "These stones were not simply sourced from the nearest available location; they were carefully selected from a challenging terrain 18 kilometers away. Earlier theories suggested the stones came from the Plampton rocks, closer to the Devil’s Arrows. Our findings instead point to Brimham Rocks, indicating that prehistoric builders transported these enormous stones much farther than previously thought."
The research highlights the intentional choices made by ancient communities about the origin of their building materials, reflecting the significance of the landscape and shared belief systems. Dr. Jim Leary added, "These results demonstrate that prehistoric societies made deliberate and meaningful decisions regarding their stone sources. This emphasizes the extraordinary effort involved in moving and erecting stones of this magnitude."
Future Research and Discoveries
The research team plans to apply the sampling method to other monuments with unknown stone origins and conduct further excavations. This approach could shed light on when and how these remarkable structures were built. Similar studies on the Stonehenge Altar Stone reveal it was initially moved by an ancient glacier and later transported by Neolithic people. Around 15,000 years ago, an ice sheet likely carried the monolith to the Dogger Bank area, illustrating the complex and prolonged processes involved in ancient stone movements.
Understanding the conscious selection of stone sources is crucial not only for grasping the technologies employed but also for exploring the culture and belief systems of prehistoric peoples. Knowledge about the stones’ origins offers new perspectives on social organization and community interactions of that era. Such research paves the way for future archaeological breakthroughs, helping to build a more detailed picture of life and customs during the Neolithic period.
This significant discovery of the Devil's Arrows not only sheds light on prehistoric construction techniques but also invites further exploration into ancient burial practices. For instance, a recent find in Northern Scotland reveals unique Iron Age burial structures, showcasing the diverse ways ancient societies honored their dead and utilized their environments. Such findings deepen our understanding of the cultural significance behind monumental constructions.