A 7,000-year-old Neolithic circular structure found in Vinoř, on the outskirts of Prague, Czech Republic, has fascinated archaeologists for years. It predates Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids, making it a significant archaeological discovery. Recently, new details have been revealed about this ancient mystery.
New Photos and Excavations Aim to Uncover the Purpose of the Vinoř Circular Structure
In Vinoř, on the outskirts of Prague, Czech Republic, a 7,000-year-old Neolithic circular structure has puzzled archaeologists for years. Recently released photos reveal new details about this ancient mystery, which predates Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids.
Unique Layout and Preservation of the Vinoř Roundel
Miroslav Kraus, head of field research at the Institute of Archaeology of the CAS in Prague, says the Vinoř roundel has a diameter of 55 meters and is unique due to its three entrances. Discovered in the 1980s, the structure has only recently been thoroughly investigated by scientists. About 90 percent of the total floor plan has survived, making it an extraordinary opportunity for archaeology. Only ten similar finds exist in Europe.
The Oldest Evidence of Architecture in Europe
According to Jaroslav Řídký from the Prague Institute of Archeology, roundels are the oldest architectural evidence in Europe. These circular ditches are arranged in a series of two to four entrances, with four being the most common. The Vinoř roundel consists of a single trench and three circular troughs, with entrances facing north, southwest, and southeast.
Piecing Together the 7,000-Year-Old Puzzle
While the original form of roundels remains a subject of debate, it is known that they contained beam construction inside and were surrounded by trenches. Radiocarbon-dated objects found in the trenches indicate these structures date back to 4850-4700/4600 BC and are considered the oldest special (monumental) buildings in Europe.
The purpose of the roundels remains unclear, with theories suggesting they could have been economic or trade centers or religious sites for performing rituals and rites of passage.
A New Attempt to Decipher the Neolithic Circular Structure
Archaeologists are conducting new excavations to learn more about the enigmatic Vinoř structure, which currently raises more questions than answers. The research conducted by the Prague Institute of Archeology aims to answer the many questions surrounding this prehistoric circular structure that is 1,500 years older than Stonehenge.