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

Dyson spheres could power entire civilizations with endless energy. Credit: Reddit user Raulikien for the Dyson Sphere Program

Dyson Spheres Around Black Holes Could Power Alien Civilizations

August 17, 2021 - Updated on January 21, 2024
A screenshot of the alleged video showing a UFO flying near the Moon. Image Credit: Twitter/ Maussan.

UFO Researcher Posts Video Showing “Massive” UFO Fly Across the Moon

October 12, 2022 - 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

This image was snapped by Astronaut Don Pettit. Image Credit: NASA.
Editor's Picks

30 Mind-Boggling Photographs Astronauts Snapped in Space

February 28, 2019 - Updated on January 11, 2023
An aerial view of the monumental structures in the Saudi Arabian desert. Image Credit: Oxford University.
Editor's Picks

10,000-Year-Old Monumental Structures in Saudi Arabian Desert Point to Complex Culture

September 6, 2022 - Updated on January 21, 2024
A photograph taken by the Chinese Chang'e 4 mission on the far side of the Moon. Image Credit: CNSA.
Editor's Picks

China Releases Incredible Never-Before-Seen Images of the Far Side of the Moon

April 24, 2019 - Updated on January 22, 2024
An image showing the six aspects of the carved statue. Image Credit: PLOS ONE.
Editor's Picks

This 13,000-Year-Old Bird Statue is One of the Oldest Pieces of 3D Art

June 12, 2020 - Updated on January 21, 2024
An illustration of a sphere-like UFO. Depositphotos.
Editor's Picks

Study Uncovers Personality Traits Linked to UFO Sightings

July 12, 2024
The "Golden" chamber beneath one of the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Credit: HuffPost
Editor's Picks

The “Golden” Chamber Under The Pyramids of Teotihuacan

October 24, 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