Discovery of Ancient Monument in Southern England Suggests Stonehenge May Not Be Unique

Archaeologists have uncovered a prehistoric monument in Dorset, Southern England, that may predate Stonehenge by up to 285 years. The site, known as “Flagstones,” features a nearly circular enclosure with a ditch approximately 100 meters in diameter. Radiocarbon dating indicates that Flagstones is significantly older than previously thought, leading researchers to reconsider the origins of monumental architecture in the region.

Dr. Susan Greaney from the University of Exeter described Flagstones as an unusual monument, noting its architectural parallels to Stonehenge. The findings suggest that the builders of Stonehenge may have been influenced by earlier structures like Flagstones, highlighting a complex tradition of ceremonial constructions in prehistoric Britain.

While it’s premature to label Stonehenge as merely a replica, this discovery emphasizes the need for further research into the development of ancient monuments and their cultural significance. Both Flagstones and Stonehenge exemplify the emergence of large-scale architectural endeavors that served ritualistic and social functions in their respective eras.