Carnac, France — Archaeological discoveries in the Bay of Morbihan have established the Carnac megaliths as some of Europe’s oldest monumental structures, vastly enriching our understanding of Neolithic culture. A recent study has harnessed advanced dating methodologies, revealing that these captivating stone alignments, which stretch for over six miles and consist of more than 3,000 stones, were constructed between 4600 and 4300 B.C.E.
The research, which has been published in the journal Antiquity, utilized a combination of radiocarbon dating and Bayesian statistical modeling to create a clearer timeline of the stone alignments. Leading the study, archaeologist Bettina Schulz Paulsson emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that they significantly enhance our grasp of the megalithic movement that swept across Europe during this era.
Determining the age of the Carnac stones has long posed challenges due to the acidic soils of the region, which often destroy organic materials used in dating. Previous attempts at establishing the monuments’ timeline yielded ambiguous results until an excavation at the Le Plasker site unlocked new possibilities. This area, recently unearthed in response to nearby construction plans, offered well-preserved remnants, including sediment, charcoal, and stone fragments.
By analyzing nearly 50 radiocarbon dates and applying advanced modeling techniques, researchers achieved unprecedented chronological clarity regarding the monument’s construction. “This project allowed us to piece together a comprehensive history of the site, revealing insights about its origins,” Paulsson noted.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond mere dating. The Carnac stone alignments, now confirmed as some of the earliest megalithic structures in Europe, suggest that the Bay of Morbihan was a pivotal center in the early development of megalithic culture. The sheer scale of the site highlights the sophisticated social organization and communal efforts of Neolithic societies.
Further rich findings emerged during the excavation at Le Plasker, where archaeologists uncovered a monumental burial site dating back to around 4700 B.C.E. This tomb’s position on top of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer hut indicates a long history of human activity and evolving rituals in the region. These burial practices illustrate a transition from nomadic lifestyles to more settled agricultural societies, providing vital context for the societal transformations at work in prehistoric Europe.
Despite ongoing mysteries surrounding the exact purpose of the stone alignments, they are believed to have held significant cultural and perhaps astronomical meaning for the communities that erected them. As researchers continue to analyze these artifacts, the Carnac megaliths remain a focal point for understanding the social, spiritual, and technological advancements of early European civilizations.
The newly acquired insights into the origins of the Carnac megaliths not only enhance our comprehension of prehistoric Europe but also invigorate ongoing archaeological efforts in the region. As discoveries continue to unfold, the legacy of the Carnac stones resonates, urging us to explore the complexities of human history and cultural development.