Stonehenge mystery: second-hand stones from other Neolithic monuments? This is a recent question sparked by exciting new findings of a University College London research team.

Stonehenge has kept its mysterious halo throughout centuries. Who were the builders, what was the purpose of the giant Neolithic monument, where did the rocks come from and what technology was at play? Several studies have attempted to answer these questions throughout the years.

The latest study looked  at the bluestone rocks featuring in the inner rings of the neolithic monument. Through another radiocarbon examination, the research team found that the bluestone rocks are 500 years older than Stonehenge.

Which lead the researchers to look for the source of the bluestone rocks. Through detailed examination, it was established that the rocks came from Wales. More precisely, two quarries in Wales had been home to the bluestone rocks before they were carved out and used for Stonehenge or even other monuments before. The two quarries are Craig Rhos-y-felin and Carn Goedog of Wales.

That’s quite a distance from the location of one of the world’s wonders. In addition to the stones predating the neolithic monument by 500 years approximately, they have been extracted from quarries far away from Stonehenge.

One hypothesis is that it took the Neolithic builders 500 years to transport them to the current location of the monument. However, that is quite improbable according to Professor Parker Pearson. It is more probable in fact that the stones have been used for other monuments in the vicinity of the two quarries and then re-used for Stonehenge centuries after.

Thus the Stonehenge mystery: second-hand stones from other Neolithic monuments? According to Professor Colin Richards, yes. The two quarries in Wales are known to have also held special significance for the people of those times. As such, it is quite probable that other monuments could have used the bluestone rocks before they were transported to be used in Stonehenge.

The research team is now looking for traces of the Neolithic monuments near the two quarries in Wales. If found, they could reveal long-sought answers as to the purpose of Stonehenge and how it was indeed built. Aerial photography as well as test excavations are already conducted for the monuments to be revealed.

Photo Credits: Wikimedia