On the Cornish moors in southwestern England stands an enigmatic pile of stones and earth. Previously believed to have been some sort of structure, this location is now blanketed with grass. medieval livestock pen constructed approximately around 1000 C.E., scholars have now determined that the building dates back an additional 4,000 years—tracing its origins to at least 3000 B.C.E., which falls within the Neolithic era.
Referred to as King Arthur’s Hall, this distinctive location can be found on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. Spanning approximately 160 feet in length and 70 feet in width, the structure features walls composed of 56 stones covered with earth; these were originally vertical but now mostly lean, lie horizontally, or have been submerged over time.
There isn't anything else like this around. James Gossip , the chief archaeologist of the Cornwall Archaeological Unit , tells the Guardian As mentioned by Esther Addley, "Nothing constructed during that period or afterward in prehistoric times features a rectangular earthen and stone embankment accompanied by a stone setting." orthostats Around the inside. There is no… equivalent."
The story unfolded several years back when local archaeologists began doubting the medieval roots of King Arthur’s Hall. As a result, Cornwall National Landscape , which safeguards nearby territories, initiated an inquiry to gather additional information.
Shortly thereafter, investigators from the Cornwall Archaeological Unit along with experts from multiple universities commenced their efforts. Near the entry point of the location, they excavated a modest trench and collected samples for radiocarbon dating. Additionally, the group employed a method referred to as optically stimulated luminescence , aiding researchers in identifying the time since sediment was last illuminated, as stated by statement from Cornwall National Landscape.
"We showed that the soil underneath the embankment was disrupted during construction, which reset the luminescence signals, thus allowing us to date the monument," explains Dr. Schotter. Tim Kinnaird , a geologist from the University of St. Andrews, in an statement From the university, they stated, "It's incredibly thrilling that we've managed to finally determine the age of this mysterious structure, which was once shrouded in myths and legends."
As the name of the monument suggests, it has historically been linked to the tale of King Arthur , the legendary leader of the Round Table Featured in medieval literature, historians possess minimal evidence indicating that King Arthur actually existed. real person His life primarily corresponds to the fifth and sixth centuries C.E., considerably later than when the enigmatic structure was constructed.
"The Middle Ages was an era during which the name Arthur began to be linked with various peculiar locations, likely without comprehension from the locals at that time," explains Gossip. Guardian That indicates that its initial purpose was no longer recognized by then, yet individuals connected it to King Arthur due to his link with something mystical and potent.
During the Neolithic period During the time when King Arthur’s Hall was constructed, communities in Britain started to establish permanent settlements, transitioning towards agriculture and construction instead of relying solely on hunting and foraging. The Neolithic age in Britain spanned from approximately 4300 BCE to 2000 BCE , and some of its renowned monuments include the stone circles of Avebury and Stonehenge .
Given the recently established antiquity of King Arthur’s Hall, researchers should consider it within the framework of the area’s ancient topography, according to Kinnaird's remarks in a statement from St. Andrews. Nonetheless, the function of King Arthur’s Hall remains an enigma.
As Gossip explains, numerous Neolithic structures served as "gathering spots for various groups, possibly used to commemorate significant events or conduct rituals." Guardian He suggests that King Arthur’s Hall served a comparable role, even though "it remains shrouded in mystery."
Kinnaird tells Live Science As Tom Metcalfe points out, Bodmin Moor hosts numerous other ancient sites such as standing stones and burial mounds, indicating significant Neolithic presence in the area.
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