Ancient worshipers gathered at a ‘prototype’ Stonehenge to celebrate the solstices, new analysis reveals

Archaeologists have uncovered what may be a “prototype” of Stonehenge in Bulford, England, just five kilometers from the famous site. Excavations between 2015 and 2017 revealed 48 pits dating back to around 2950 B.C.E., about 500 years before Stonehenge was completed. The ancient structure likely featured two wooden poles aligned with the sun during the solstices, suggesting it served as a precursor to Stonehenge. Artifacts like pottery and animal bones indicate the site was used for religious rituals. This discovery, led by Phil Harding of Wessex Archaeology, highlights the early astronomical knowledge of ancient Britons and suggests Stonehenge was part of a broader cultural and spiritual tradition. The findings are expected to be published later this year. QUESTION: How might the discovery of this “prototype” change our understanding of ancient cultures and their connection to the natural world?