Stonehenge Cow's Tooth Links Monument to Wales, Suggests Cattle Transport

What's Happening?

A Neolithic cow's tooth found at Stonehenge has been analyzed, revealing that the animal likely originated from Wales. This discovery supports theories that cattle may have been used to transport the monument's massive stones. The tooth, analyzed by scientists from the British Geological Survey and other institutions, shows isotopic evidence linking it to the Palaeozoic rocks found in Wales, where the bluestones used in Stonehenge originated. This finding adds to the growing evidence of connections between Stonehenge and Wales, suggesting that cattle played a significant role in the construction of the ancient site.

Why It's Important?

The analysis of the cow's tooth provides new insights into the logistics of Stonehenge's construction, highlighting the potential use of cattle as beasts of burden. This challenges previous assumptions that humans alone transported the stones and suggests a more complex interaction between humans and animals in Neolithic society. Understanding these connections can offer a deeper appreciation of the technological and cultural achievements of ancient civilizations and their ability to manipulate natural resources for monumental construction.