Long-distance landscapes: from quarries to monument at Stonehenge.

Authors: Parker Pearson, M., Bevins, R., Ixer, R., Pollard, J., Richards, C. and Welham, K.

Editors: Boaventura, R., Mataloto, R. and Pereira, A.

Conference: MEGA-TALKS 2

Dates: 19-20 November 2015

Journal: Megaliths and Geolog: Megálitos e Geologia

Pages: 151-169

Publisher: Archaeopress Publishing Ltd

Place of Publication: Oxford

ISBN: 978-1-78969-641-7

Abstract:

Stonehenge is famous for the distances moved by its stones, both sarsens and bluestones. In particular, the bluestones have their geological origins in West Wales, 225km away. Recent excavations at two of these bluestone sources – one for rhyolite and one for spotted dolerite – have identified evidence of megalith quarrying around 3000 BC, when Stonehenge’s first stage was constructed. This remarkable movement of bluestones from Wales coincided with a decline in regional cultural distinctions between west and east, suggesting that building Stonehenge may have served to unify the Neolithic populations of Britain.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/34408/

Source: Manual