Ancient Ritual Circle Discovered in Denmark
World
An "astonishing" wooden circle, thousands of years old, has been unearthed in Denmark. Archaeologists suggest that the "woodhenge" was built between 2600 and 1600 BC on a similar axis to the stone circle in England.
Located in Aars, North Jutland, the circle consists of at least 45 wooden posts and has a diameter of approximately 30 meters. It is believed to have been constructed between 2600 and 1600 BC.
Experts say this discovery highlights the widespread shared belief systems of the ancient world and the close connection between Denmark and England.
Sidsel Wåhlin, a curator at Vesthimmerlands Museum, discovered the holes while removing the topsoil alongside excavation leader Andreas Bo Nielsen. At first, she thought they were just a row of post holes, but soon realized they formed a circular shape. She said:
"This is an incredible find. I thought, ‘Oh my God, a timber circle! There’s no other explanation.’”
This circle was not visible in aerial photography, but it provides valuable insights into the rituals and social structures of the late Stone Age and early Bronze Age.
Britain and Ireland have dozens of henges – circular earthworks, some featuring stone or wooden posts, such as Stonehenge and the nearby Woodhenge. These monuments date back to 3000–2000 BC.
According to Wåhlin, "They were ritual centers associated with sun worship and agricultural ceremonies of the time. To decide to build such a significant monument, people had to understand its meaning and how to plan it."
The newly discovered Danish woodhenge has been found to align similarly to England’s Stonehenge and Woodhenge. The posts were most likely made from oak.
Experts say this discovery highlights the widespread shared belief systems of the ancient world and the close connection between Denmark and England.
Sidsel Wåhlin, a curator at Vesthimmerlands Museum, discovered the holes while removing the topsoil alongside excavation leader Andreas Bo Nielsen. At first, she thought they were just a row of post holes, but soon realized they formed a circular shape. She said:
"This is an incredible find. I thought, ‘Oh my God, a timber circle! There’s no other explanation.’”
This circle was not visible in aerial photography, but it provides valuable insights into the rituals and social structures of the late Stone Age and early Bronze Age.
Britain and Ireland have dozens of henges – circular earthworks, some featuring stone or wooden posts, such as Stonehenge and the nearby Woodhenge. These monuments date back to 3000–2000 BC.
According to Wåhlin, "They were ritual centers associated with sun worship and agricultural ceremonies of the time. To decide to build such a significant monument, people had to understand its meaning and how to plan it."
The newly discovered Danish woodhenge has been found to align similarly to England’s Stonehenge and Woodhenge. The posts were most likely made from oak.
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