In an extraordinary archaeological find, a timber circle with striking similarities to England's Stonehenge has been unearthed in Aars, North Jutland, Denmark. Discovered in January during an excavation, the structure is believed to date back to between 2600 and 1600 BC. This remarkable woodhenge, measuring approximately 30 meters in diameter, consists of at least 45 wooden posts and shares a similar axis to its famous counterparts in England.
The discovery was made by Sidsel Wåhlin, a curator at Vesthimmerlands Museum, during an excavation led by Andreas Bo Nielsen. As they were removing the topsoil, Wåhlin initially thought she had found a line of post holes. However, upon further examination, she realized the holes formed a circle.
“I was like: ‘Oh my God, a timber circle, there is just no other explanation.’” – Sidsel Wåhlin
Experts believe this find highlights the widespread shared belief systems that existed during the period. The discovery suggests a potential connection between Denmark and England, where dozens of henges from 3000 BC to 2000 BC remain. Henges are round earthen enclosures that sometimes feature stone or timber posts.
The team behind the excavation hopes to conduct genetic testing to uncover any DNA links between the site and the UK or other parts of Europe. Such testing could offer deeper insights into the cultural and historical ties across these regions.
Wåhlin expressed the significance of the monument's construction, emphasizing the level of understanding and planning required to build such a specific structure.
“In order to decide to make such a specific monument you have to understand what it means and how to plan it.” – Sidsel Wåhlin
This remarkable discovery not only enriches Denmark's archaeological history but also opens new avenues for understanding ancient connections between different European cultures.