Origins of the sarsen megaliths at Stonehenge

New geochemical evidence reveals that the massive sarsen megaliths at Stonehenge likely originated from West Woods, Wiltshire. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about their source and sheds light on Neolithic transportation practices. Researchers analyzed trace elements in stone samples using advanced techniques, including laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The findings suggest that the stones were quarried locally, transported over significant distances, and shaped with remarkable precision—implying sophisticated engineering capabilities during the late Neolithic period.

Nash, D. J., Ciborowski, T. J. R., Ullyott, J. S., Pearson, M. P., Darvill, T., Greaney, S., Maniatis, G., & Whitaker, K. A. (2020). Origins of the sarsen megaliths at Stonehenge. Science Advances, 6(31). https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abc0133