What's happened
Archaeologists have uncovered a 4,000-year-old timber circle in Aars, Denmark, believed to be linked to Stonehenge. The structure, consisting of at least 45 wooden posts, highlights shared ancient beliefs between Denmark and Britain, particularly in agricultural rituals and sun worship.
What's behind the headline?
Significance of the Discovery
- The woodhenge's construction between 2600 and 1600 BC suggests a strong cultural connection between ancient Denmark and Britain.
- It indicates shared agricultural and ritual practices, emphasizing the importance of communal identity in prehistoric societies.
Implications for Archaeology
- This find may lead to further discoveries of similar structures, enhancing our understanding of ancient European cultures.
- Genetic testing of wood samples could reveal more about the migration and interaction of early farming communities across Europe.
Broader Context
- The discovery aligns with recent findings about the unifying role of monuments like Stonehenge in ancient societies, suggesting that such structures served as focal points for community cohesion and shared beliefs.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the timber circle's discovery is described as 'extraordinary' and highlights the widespread shared belief systems of the time. Sidsel Wåhlin from Vesthimmerlands Museum noted that the structure's alignment with Stonehenge indicates a shared worldview among ancient farmers. Meanwhile, The Independent emphasizes the potential for further archaeological findings at the site, including artefacts that could deepen our understanding of the Bell Beaker culture. This perspective underscores the significance of the woodhenge in revealing connections between ancient communities across Europe.
How we got here
The discovery was made during excavations in January 2025, revealing a circular structure that reflects the ritualistic practices of ancient communities in Europe. Previous studies have indicated significant demographic changes in Europe around this time.
Go deeper
- What other archaeological finds have been made in Denmark?
- How does this discovery compare to Stonehenge?
- What can we learn about ancient rituals from this site?
Common question
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What is the significance of the ancient woodhenge discovered in Denmark?
The recent discovery of a 4,000-year-old timber circle in Aars, Denmark, has sparked interest in its connections to ancient civilizations and their shared beliefs. This find not only sheds light on the agricultural rituals and sun worship practices of the time but also raises questions about the broader implications for our understanding of ancient cultures across Europe.
More on these topics
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Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, two miles west of Amesbury. It consists of a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weighing around 25 tons.
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Denmark, officially the Kingdom of Denmark, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. Denmark proper, which is the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, consists of a peninsula, Jutland, and an archipelago of 443 named islands, with the largest being
