Mysterious Origins of Britain’s 4,000-Year-Old ‘Devils’ Arrows’ Stone Monument Have Finally Been Solved

A Curtin University-led research team has identified the origin of the 4,000-year-old Devil’s Arrows stone monument as Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire, 18 kilometers away. The team used a low-impact sampling method to analyze the stones and found that they were intentionally transported from the source. The research team, including scientists from the University of York, noted that the stones weigh over 25 tonnes and required significant planning and engineering to move. The findings suggest that the ancient builders placed importance on the material and the landscape itself, rather than just convenience.

• The research team identified the stones as coming from Brimham Rocks.
• The stones were transported over 18 kilometers, which is unusual for lowland settings.
• The team used a low-impact sampling method to collect mineral grains without damaging the stones.

The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the source of the stones and highlights the deliberate selection of materials by prehistoric builders. The research team will apply their method to similar stone monuments to further understand the construction techniques of ancient societies. The study, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, underscores the importance of landscape and shared belief systems in prehistoric monument-building. The findings reshape how researchers understand the art of prehistoric stone construction.

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