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

Seen here are some of the stones located at a depth of around 5 meters below Lake Constance. Image Credit: Thurgau Archaeology.

Underwater Stonehenge That Predates the Pyramids Confirmed in Switzerland

October 2, 2019 - Updated on May 4, 2023
An image of a volcanic eruption. Jumpstory.

Younger Dryas Caused by Intense Volcanic Activity and Not Massive Meteor Impacts 13,000 Years Ago

August 2, 2020 - 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

An illustration of a UFO flying saucer. Depositphotos.
Editor's Picks

How Ufology Went from Fringe to Mainstream Science

September 21, 2024
Here Are 5 of the Most Bizarre Elongated Skulls Ever Found
Editor's Picks

Here Are 5 of the Most Bizarre Elongated Skulls Ever Found

May 18, 2019 - Updated on May 2, 2023
Artist's impression of the Giant Magellan Telescope when complete. Credit: Giant Magellan Telescope – GMTO Corporation
Editor's Picks

Using Gigantic Mirrors, Astronomers Want to Observe the Edge of the Cosmos—10 Reasons Why This is Huge News

May 13, 2021 - Updated on January 21, 2024
An illustration of the ancient Maya calendar. Yayimages.
Editor's Picks

The ancient calendars that predicted the end of worlds

April 29, 2025
An artist's rendering of a neural network.
Editor's Picks

The Real Matrix: Physicist Says Our Universe Is Likely a Neural Network

September 22, 2020 - Updated on January 21, 2024
This is a new map of Antarctica without ice. Image Credit: Mathieu Morlighem / UCI.
Editor's Picks

Antarctica’s Ice-Free Past: When Did It Last Happen?

September 8, 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