A new study suggests that the site previously thought to be the starting place of many of Stonehenge's rocks may not have been the source after all.
It looks like the rocks actually came from a different site three kilometres away, instead.
The study focused on the smaller stones at Stonehenge, called bluestones, 'Planet Earth' reported.
The chemistry of these rocks varies, but they all originate from the Preseli Hills in Wales and are thought to have been transported to the Stonehenge site over 4000 years ago.
"The Holy Grail question is how were the stones moved and why," said Dr Richard Bevins of National Museum of Wales who led the research.
"We're trying to discover the source of the stones so archaeologists can excavate sites in order to see if they can find evidence for people working the source stones," Bevins said.
Researchers took images showing the rocks at Stonehenge and the rocks at Carn Alw. They then asked members of the public with no geological background whether they looked the same.
Scientists used a new method of identifying the chemical makeup of the rocks, to match the rocks with their origin.
They believe that they have now identified Carn Goedog as the source of at least 55 per cent of the spotted dolerite bluestones at Stonehenge.
The study was published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
