New discoveries at the Le Plasker site in Carnac shed light on the beginnings and customs associated with Europe’s earliest megalithic structures. The enigmatic arrangement of standing stones scattered throughout Brittany, France, has fascinated archaeologists and visitors for centuries. Recent excavations at Le Plasker have significantly expanded our understanding of these ancient monuments. Through advanced excavation techniques and precise radiocarbon dating, scientists have revealed crucial details about the origins, construction, and purpose of these remarkable structures.
The stone alignments in Carnac span over 10 kilometers, making it the region with the highest concentration of megaliths in Europe. Researchers have long debated the origins of these structures, but a recent excavation at Le Plasker, led by Audrey Blanchard of Archeodunum, has provided groundbreaking evidence. The excavation uncovered previously unknown sections, including standing stone pits, cooking areas, and a pre-megalithic tomb. The site’s strategic location, overlooking the Bay of Quiberon, suggests that the sea may have held symbolic significance for the ancient builders.
One of the challenges in studying these megalithic structures was accurately dating them due to the lack of organic material in Brittany’s acidic soils. However, researchers at Le Plasker collected nearly 50 radiocarbon samples, allowing for detailed chronological analysis. The precise dating revealed that the megalithic structures at Le Plasker were constructed between 4600 and 4300 BC, establishing the Bay of Morbihan as the initial hub of megalithic activity in Europe.
In addition to the stone alignments, archaeologists discovered evidence of hearths and cooking pits near the standing stones, hinting at possible fire rituals or ceremonial activities conducted at the site. These findings provide valuable insights into the ancient practices and beliefs associated with these megalithic structures.
The presence of certain features indicates that rituals involving fire may have played a significant role in the creation or use of the stone alignments. The specific purpose remains uncertain, but potential explanations include communal gatherings, symbolic events, or ceremonies marking seasonal changes. The arrangement of standing stones in the Carnac area and the placement of stelae and cists among mounds between the Etel and Crac’h rivers, with the primary alignments highlighted, suggest a deeper significance to these structures.
Schulz Paulsson mentions, “It is unclear whether these hearths were utilized for illumination, cooking, or celebratory purposes during the construction of the stones.” Ongoing analyses of sediment and charcoal are expected to provide more precise answers in the near future.
One particularly intriguing discovery at Le Plasker is a large tomb constructed around 4700 BC, located directly above a Mesolithic dwelling dating back to around 5000 BC. This finding implies a lengthy history of human activity and ceremonial practices at the site, suggesting that ancient inhabitants deliberately selected locations with existing importance for their monuments, blending new constructions with older sacred sites. The deep historical layers at this site offer a vivid depiction of the social and spiritual lives of early inhabitants, demonstrating continuity between Mesolithic hunter-gatherers and subsequent Neolithic communities. The site’s evolution over more than 300 years reflects a changing landscape shaped by generations of human activity and belief.
The recent discoveries at Le Plasker not only contribute to a better understanding of Carnac but also challenge broader perspectives on European prehistory. By confirming the early fifth millennium BC as the beginning of megalithic traditions, these findings support theories suggesting that Brittany influenced later European cultures. The presence of artifacts sourced from distant regions, such as Alpine greenstone and variscite from Iberia, indicates extensive prehistoric connections and intricate social networks, hinting at a shared symbolic language or ritual significance extending well beyond Brittany. Schulz Paulsson emphasizes that the Carnac region’s alignments now rank among Europe’s oldest megalithic monuments, underscoring the area’s profound historical significance.
The iconic stones of Carnac are not just tourist attractions; they stand as silent yet powerful witnesses to human ingenuity, spiritual beliefs, and communal organization over six millennia ago. While the Le Plasker excavation has answered some important questions, numerous mysteries remain. Future research will delve deeper into this enigmatic site, exploring additional aspects through continued analysis of sediments, stone fragments, and organic residues. These ongoing studies hold the promise of revealing more insights into the earliest builders of monumental stone landscapes in Europe, reshaping our understanding of the past and connecting modern communities with their ancient roots.
Enjoy heartwarming stories? Subscribe to The Brighter Side of News newsletter for more uplifting content.
