Curiosmos
  • Home
  • Unsolved Mysteries
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Cosmic Phenomena
  • Alien Theories
  • Curious Lists
No Result
View All Result
Like us on Facebook
Curiosmos
  • Home
  • Unsolved Mysteries
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Cosmic Phenomena
  • Alien Theories
  • Curious Lists
No Result
View All Result
Curiosmos
No Result
View All Result

Ancient Stone Circles Unearthed in Dartmoor Could Reveal Secrets of a Mysterious ‘Sacred Arc’

Justin GurkinicbyJustin Gurkinic
November 20, 2024
in Editor's Picks
An artists illustration of the standing stones of Stonehenge. Jumpstory.

An artists illustration of the standing stones of Stonehenge. Jumpstory.

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The United Kingdom’s megalithic monuments, steeped in mystery and history, have captivated experts and enthusiasts for centuries. While Stonehenge dominates global recognition, the UK is home to countless other enigmatic stone structures. Two newly discovered stone circles in Dartmoor National Park, Devon, are sparking fresh discussions about their purpose and significance. These findings could shed new light on the theory of a “sacred arc,” a concept gaining traction among archaeologists.

A Monumental Discovery in Dartmoor

Renowned archaeologist Alan Endacott, who has dedicated years to studying Dartmoor’s prehistoric landscape, unearthed these two neolithic stone circles. According to The Guardian, these sites bear striking similarities to other iconic megalithic structures, including Stonehenge. The discoveries are particularly significant as they are the first stone circles to be identified in Dartmoor in over a century.

Endacott’s previous discoveries in the area included a stone circle in 2007, which helped lay the groundwork for his “sacred arc” theory. He believes that these megalithic structures were deliberately arranged across Dartmoor’s highlands, creating a symbolic arc that may have held spiritual or ceremonial significance.

The Sacred Arc: Enclosing the Landscape

“Dartmoor would have been very different then,” Endacott explained in an interview with The Guardian. “There would have been a lot more forest cover. So possibly, they were markers in the landscape—they recognized the higher ground and wanted to enclose it for some reason.”

Related Posts

The James Webb Space Telescope has found a galactic question mark

How Did Our Universe Begin?

December 20, 2024
Would you spend your time in the metaverse rather than in traditional social media? Credit: Depositphotos

10 Things You Need To Know About The Metaverse

October 30, 2021 - Updated on January 21, 2024

This concept suggests that the high ground of Dartmoor served as a focal point for these ancient communities. The stone circles, strategically placed, may have marked sacred boundaries or served as meeting places for rituals.

A Northern Gateway to the Arc

While one of the newly discovered circles fits neatly into the sweeping curve of the arc, the second stands apart. Positioned to the north, Endacott hypothesizes that this circle served as an entryway into the arc from the surrounding landscape.

This distinction adds a layer of complexity to the sacred arc theory, suggesting that these structures were not just isolated monuments but interconnected parts of a larger ceremonial network.

Connections to Stonehenge and Beyond

Adding to the intrigue, Endacott noted parallels between these stone circles and other significant sites, such as the Stripple Stones on Bodmin Moor, the Ring of Brodgar on Orkney, and even Stonehenge itself. An external bank near one of the circles strongly hints at its classification as a henge monument—a type of earthwork-enclosed structure often associated with ritual use.

Endacott speculates that the builders of these Dartmoor circles may have been inspired by or even interacted with the communities responsible for constructing Stonehenge. This possibility underscores the interconnectedness of neolithic societies across Britain.

New Evidence, New Questions

“These excavations exceeded my expectations and brought new evidence to light that will help with our understanding,” Endacott remarked. “But inevitably, they have also raised more questions about why they were built.”

The discoveries at Dartmoor not only enrich our understanding of prehistoric landscapes but also invite us to reimagine the lives, beliefs, and ambitions of the people who built these awe-inspiring monuments.

Share157Tweet98Share27ShareSend
Justin Gurkinic

Justin Gurkinic

Hey, my name is Justin, and my friends call me Gurk. Why? Becuase of my last name. It sounds like a vegetable. Kind of. I love sleeping and writing. History is my thing.

Related Posts

A scan of one of te ancient sites belonging to the ancient civilization. Prümers et al., Nature, 2022.
Editor's Picks

Monumental Ruins of “Lost” Pre-Hispanic Civilization Found in the Amazon

May 26, 2022 - Updated on January 21, 2024
An aerial view of the main excavation site. Image Credit: DAI, Göbekli Tepe Project.
Editor's Picks

5 Facts and 5 Stunning Images of 12,000-Year-Old Megalithic Temple Göbekli Tepe

May 22, 2020 - Updated on January 21, 2024
Image Credit: dric / Pixabay.
Editor's Picks

MIT supercomputer prediction warned civilization could collapse by 2040

January 3, 2019 - Updated on April 17, 2025
The sharpest view ever of the Triangulum Galaxy. Image Credit: ESA.
Editor's Picks

Check Out This 655-Million-Pixel Image Of The Universe Showing 40 Billion Stars

December 19, 2020 - Updated on January 21, 2024
An illustration of humans in the future. YAIMAGES/Curiosmos.
Editor's Picks

What Would Humans Look Like in a Million Years?

December 2, 2022 - Updated on January 20, 2024
An illustration of a creepy Black Plague Doctor's outfit.
Editor's Picks

Here’s the Story Behind the Creepy Black Plague Beak Mask

May 8, 2020 - Updated on January 21, 2024
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Fair Use Notice
  • DMCA / Removal
  • Impressum
  • Contact
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Ethics Policy
  • Ownership and Funding Information
  • Impressum
CURIOSMOS.COM

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Unsolved Mysteries
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Cosmic Phenomena
  • Alien Theories
  • Curious Lists