Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable henge in Vesthimmerland, Denmark, revealing potential connections between the ancient cultures of northern Europe and England. The henge, characterized by its 45 postholes spaced approximately 6.5 feet (2 meters) apart, spans a diameter of about 100 feet (30 meters). This discovery could reshape our understanding of prehistoric rituals in the region.
The newly discovered structure dates back to the Late Neolithic period and Early Bronze Age, specifically between 2600 to 1600 B.C. Experts believe it was part of a larger "ritual landscape" utilized by prehistoric communities. Such landscapes often served ceremonial purposes, with parallels seen in iconic sites like England's Stonehenge and Woodhenge. These sites are thought to align with the summer solstice, further emphasizing their ceremonial significance.
Henges, circular earthworks typically surrounded by a bank and ditch, have been found throughout northwestern Europe, especially in the British Isles. The Vesthimmerland henge contributes to this pattern, suggesting widespread ritualistic practices. The shape and structure of the Danish henge imply strong cultural exchanges between northern Europe and England during the Late Neolithic era.
The discovery is significant not only for its size but also for what it reveals about the past. Andreas Bo Nielsen, the excavation manager, remarked on the find's importance.
"The timber circle is not only a significant archaeological discovery but also a window into the past, offering us a glimpse of the ceremonial and ritual activities of our ancestors," – excavation manager Andreas Bo Nielsen
This sentiment is echoed by Sidsel Wåhlin, curator at the Vesthimmerlands Museum and co-leader of the excavation.
"This is an extraordinary find," – Sidsel Wåhlin, curator at the Vesthimmerlands Museum and excavation co-leader
The site may have been a venue for rituals and feasting, as indicated by butchered animal bones and domestic waste found at similar henge locations. The excavation team plans to release more details about their findings later this year through the Vesthimmerlands Museum.
Woodhenge, located near Stonehenge, serves as a well-documented counterpart to the newly discovered Danish henge. Constructed around 2500 B.C., Woodhenge consists of six concentric ovals of timber posts. The similarities between these sites underscore the widespread nature of such structures and their potential role in community rituals during the New Stone Age.
