A team of archaeologists has confirmed the existence of a unique ring-shaped yawning hole, known as the Durrington Pit Circle, near Stonehenge, utilizing a novel mix of scientific methods. This structure, estimated to be over a mile in diameter and containing around 20 holes, was created by Neolithic people and possibly reflects their interest in the underground realm. Some holes are significantly large, around 10 meters wide and 5 meters deep, indicating the skill required to excavate them from chalky terrain.
The discovery, which initially surfaced in 2020, is considered one of the largest prehistoric structures in the UK and may showcase early evidence of numerical computation due to its immense size requiring spatial tracking methods. While some experts were skeptical, believing the pits could be natural formations, recent research published in Internet Archeology strongly supports the notion of human involvement.
Professor Vincent Gaffney from the University of Bradford led the analysis, employing various geophysical instruments to investigate the pit’s size and shape. Techniques included electrical resistance tomography for depth assessment and radar for shaping. To further substantiate human creation, soil samples were examined using photostimulated luminescence and ‘sedDNA’ analyses, revealing patterns consistent with human activity.
Gaffney speculated that the circle’s construction during the late Neolithic might relate to beliefs regarding the underworld. He emphasized that the newly confirmed structure inscribes the people’s cosmology into the land, reflecting a complex understanding of their environment akin to the intentions behind Stonehenge.
