Whoops. Archaeologists have been searching for clues to the creation of Stonehenge in the wrong place — for the last 90 years.
Until now, it was believed the 11 bluestones came from one of the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire. But turns out, that theory was about 2 miles off. Dr. Richard Bevins with the National Museum of Wales identified the mistake. He says the four-ton blocks actually came from another nearby hill. (Via PBS, History Channel )
This hill, that hill. I mean, considering the monument is about 150 miles from both hills, the first guess is still pretty good. Right? Guys?
Bevins says, "For the archaeologists a distance of 3km (1.9 miles) between the potential quarries could be seen as evidence of planning and forethought, and a suggestion that the different types of stone were chosen for some specific purpose." (Via BBC)
But for what purpose is still anyone's guess. This discovery answers the where, but the how and why remain mysteries.
The Preseli Hills theory claimed the stones were carried via land and sea some 5,000 years ago. The most recent theory suggests the bluestones were carried on an ice-age glacier 20,000 years ago. (Via National Geographic)
And there's still the Merlin-levitated-the-stones theory – very scientific. (Via History Channel)
No matter the reason, Rob Ixer, who was part of the new research, tells The Guardian, "Almost everything we believed 10 years ago about the bluestones has been shown to be partially or completely incorrect."
But don't misread that. Bevins, who's been studying the spot for more than 30 years, says each discovery brings us that much closer to the truth.
So, what you're saying is … got it. (Via Fox / “X Files”)
