STONE BOTHERING

The Inca Ruins of Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of Peru, are one of the most impressive and well-preserved Inca sites in the country. The ruins are a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the Incas, and offer visitors a glimpse into their culture and way of life. Ollantaytambo was an important religious, administrative, and agricultural center for the Incas. The ruins include a series of temples, palaces, and terraces, as well as a sophisticated irrigation system. The most impressive structure at Ollantaytambo is the Temple of the Sun, a massive unfinished temple complex that is thought to have been dedicated to the Inca sun god, Inti. Another highlight of the Ollantaytambo ruins is the Intihuatana stone, a sacred stone that was used by the Incas for astronomical observations. The Intihuatana stone is located on a hilltop overlooking the ruins, and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. In addition to the ruins themselves, the town of Ollantaytamb

England is home to some fascinating ancient sites, including stone circles and dolmens (cromlechs). A dolmen is a type of single-chamber tomb, usually consisting of two or more vertical stones supporting a large horizontal capstone. Here we list five dolmens that are worth a visit when travelling in England. TRETHEVY QUOIT Trethevy Quoit is an impressive portal dolmen (cromlech) consisting of five standing stones capped by a large stone. There is also a rear stone which once collapsed and now lies inside the chamber. It's believed that the whole structure was originally covered by a mound. The monument is almost 2.7 meters high and dates to the early Neolithic period, around 3500-2500 BC. At the upper end of the capstone is a porthole which may have been used for astronomical observation. However, some people suggest that the hole was drilled there for decoration purposes. SPINSTER'S ROCK Spinster's Rock is a Neolithic dolmen situated in a farm field near Drewsteignton in D

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Preseli Mountains in Wales lies an unassuming rocky outcrop called Craig Rhos-y-felin. This seemingly ordinary sight, however, holds a hidden secret – it is believed to be the source of some of the stones used to construct the iconic Stonehenge monument. Craig Rhos-y-felin's claim to fame lies in its unique geological composition. The site is rich in a specific type of rock called foliated rhyolite, which is remarkably similar to the stones found in Stonehenge, particularly the "bluestones." This discovery, made in 2011, sent shockwaves through the archaeological world, potentially rewriting the narrative of Stonehenge's origins. The theory suggests that the prehistoric inhabitants of Wales quarried stones from Craig Rhos-y-felin around 3400 BC. These stones were then transported over 240 kilometers to their final resting place at Stonehenge, a feat that speaks volumes about the ingenuity and determination of these ancient peopl

High on Dinas Mountain in Wales lies Carn Enoch, an ancient settlement shrouded in mystery. Crumbling rock outcrops hint at a bygone era, while a possible ring cairn or hut circle sparks the imagination. But perhaps the most intriguing feature at Carn Enoch isn't a structure at all, but a single rock etched with a series of precise marks. These are no ordinary scratches. The rock at Carn Enoch boasts a collection of tally marks, their purpose a subject of much debate. Archaeologists and history buffs have been pondering their meaning for years, with various theories vying for explanation. Lunar Calendar or Ledger of Life? One theory suggests the tally marks represent a lunar calendar. The number of markings (around 28-32) aligns with the lunar cycle, and their position relative to a natural groove on the rock might indicate the phases of the moon. This would paint a fascinating picture of Carn Enoch's inhabitants – a people attuned to the rhythms of the cosmos. Another theory l

Towering over the English countryside, Silbury Hill stands as a testament to a bygone era. This prehistoric mound, nestled near the famed Avebury stone circle, is a wonder in itself. But what truly sets Silbury Hill apart is its enigmatic purpose. Archaeologists have been grappling with this question for centuries, and despite numerous theories, the truth behind its creation remains shrouded in mystery. Standing at a staggering 39 meters (129 feet) tall, Silbury Hill is the largest prehistoric man-made mound in all of Europe. Its construction, estimated to have taken an astonishing 18 million man-hours, is a feat that speaks volumes about the ingenuity and organization of the people who built it. Radiocarbon dating places its origin around 2400 BC, making it roughly contemporary with the Egyptian pyramids. One might think that such a monumental structure must have served a grand purpose, perhaps as a burial chamber for a revered leader. However, excavations have revealed no human remai

Avebury is a village in the county of Wiltshire in England known for containing a significant number of ancient monuments. The most famous monument is the Avebury Stone Circle. Avebury Stone Circle is the world's largest stone circle, comprising of other monuments within it, including a cove and two stone circles. The stone circle is located inside the henge that encircles part of Avebury village. Some stones at Avebury have names and these names are based on the stories that are related to the stones. Most of the stones are part of the stone circles. But two of them form a stone setting that is believed to be older than the stone circles. DEVIL'S CHAIR This stone got its name from a naturally formed seat on one side of the stone. Directly above the seat is a hole known as "chimney". Legend has it that if you run around the stone anti-clockwise, you will summon the Devil. RING STONE The Ring Stone is a broken piece of stone once smashed by an enraged church minister.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales lies an ancient mystery: the Cerrig Duon Complex. This captivating collection of Bronze Age monuments, dating back to 2500-800 BC, offers a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our distant ancestors. The heart of the complex is the Cerrig Duon stone circle, aptly named "Black Stones" in Welsh. Unlike the perfect circles we often envision, this arrangement is oval-shaped, with roughly 20 small stones standing about 2 feet tall. While some believe additional stones were added later, the circle's true origins and purpose remain shrouded in the mists of time. Standing proudly north of the circle is Maen Mawr, meaning "Big Stone." This impressive monolith reaches a height of nearly 2 meters and dwarfs the surrounding stones. Adding to the intrigue are two smaller stones aligned with Maen Mawr, forming a short stone row. But the complex doesn't stop there. Further exploration reveals th

Somerset is a county in Southwest England well known for its prehistoric landscape. The stunning landscape is composed of rolling hills, large flat expanses of land and an extensive coastline. Here we list six prehistoric sites that are worth a visit. CHEDDAR GORGE Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge formed by meltwater floods during the periglacial periods which have occurred over the last 1.2 million years. The gorge is almost 400 feet deep and three miles long. This is England's largest gorge and it consists of crags, pinnacles and caves. The most popular caves known as Gough's Cave and Cox's Cave, were produced by the activity of an underground river called Cheddar Yeo River which emerges in the lower part of Gough's Cave. The caves contain stalagmites and stalactites which can be visited by the general public. Cheddar Gorge is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest known as Cheddar Complex. The gorge is also known for the discovery of Britain's oldest com

Sarsen stones are sedimentary rocks mostly made up of quartz sand cemented by silica. The stones are found mostly across England, being Wiltshire the county with the largest amount of these stones. It's believed that they were moved to the area through glacial action during the ice age, around 5 to 10 million years ago. Sarsen stones were used in the construction of ancient monument such as Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circles. But they can also be found scattered naturally across fields. In this post we list 5 places with large amounts of sarsen stones that can be visited in the county of Wiltshire. PIGGLEDENE Piggledene is probably the most famous site of its kind, containing a large amount of sarsen stones scattered across a field. This site is a remnant of a much larger landscape of sandstone periglacial deposits. Many of the stones have been removed in the past to provide building materials in the area. It's possible to see where the stones were worked, split and cut. It&#

Nestled amidst the vibrant city of Cuenca, Ecuador, lie the enigmatic Ruinas de Todos Santos (Ruins of All Saints). Unlike Cuenca's grand colonial architecture, these ruins whisper of a bygone era, beckoning us to unravel their story. But what civilization built them, and what purpose did they serve? Unfortunately, the exact origins of Ruinas de Todos Santos remain shrouded in mystery. Archaeological evidence suggests they may date back to the Cañari culture, who inhabited the region before the Inca conquest. The Cañari were known for their impressive stonework, and some experts believe the ruins might have been a ceremonial center or a complex of dwellings. However, another theory posits that the ruins were actually constructed by the Incas themselves. The Inca Empire incorporated conquered territories into their vast network, often adapting existing structures. Their architectural style is characterized by precise stonework with tight-fitting joints, features that some have obser

Somerset is a rural county in South West England, offering a wide range of prehistoric landscapes in addition to impressive ancient sites. The county has a long history of settlement and is known to have been settled from Palaeolithic times. It's steeped in history and folklore, making it the perfect place to explore England's past. Here is a list of the top ancient sites in this amazing county. GLASTONBURY TOR Glastonbury Tor is certainly one of the most iconic ancient sites in England. It's a hill with a 14th century tower on its top which is all that remains of St. Michael's Church. Glastonbury Tor is a conical hill that rises 158m above the Avalon Marshes. Its peculiar shape is due to a combination of the unusual geology and the distinctive terraces surrounding the hill. The top of the hill is formed from a succession of rocks assigned to the Bridport Sand Formation. These rocks sit upon clay and limestones deposited during the early Jurassic Period. Read more about

Glastonbury Tor is certainly one of the most iconic ancient sites in England. It's a hill with a 14th century tower on its top which is all that remains of St. Michael's Church. Glastonbury Tor is a conical hill that rises 158m above the Avalon Marshes. Its peculiar shape is due to a combination of the unusual geology and the distinctive terraces surrounding the hill. The top of the hill is formed from a succession of rocks assigned to the Bridport Sand Formation. These rocks sit upon clay and limestones deposited during the early Jurassic Period. Geologists haven't found a plausible explanation on how the Tor has survived the erosion of the land around it, but it's believed that a nearby natural spring known as Chalice Well could have helped to prevent it. Chalice Well is an ancient spring nestled at the foot of the Glastonbury Tor. The spring flows from the ground and contains high levels of iron, which colours the water red . This water could have hardened an area of

Land's End, the dramatic, windswept tip of Cornwall, England, is a place where myth and geology intertwine. Legends whisper of Lyonesse, a kingdom swallowed by the sea, while the jagged cliffs reveal a story etched in ancient rock. A Land Forged by Fire and Ice: Imagine a time, 480 million years ago, when Cornwall lay submerged beneath a tropical sea. Volcanic eruptions spewed fiery ash, which over countless eons, compressed and metamorphosed into the dark slates and greenstones that dominate the cliffs today. Later, during the Ice Age, glaciers sculpted the landscape, leaving behind dramatic valleys and toweringtors. Witness these forces of nature at their most impressive at Longships Rock, a jagged island adorned with stripes of volcanic and sedimentary rock. Echoes of a Lost Kingdom: Legend paints a vivid picture of Lyonesse, a fertile land brimming with 140 churches and prosperous towns, tragically consumed by the ocean in a single night. While geological evidence doesn&

Amidst the rolling hills and verdant valleys of Wales, shrouded in the mists of time, stands the enigmatic Pen y Beacon Stone Circle. With its lone sentinel stone reaching skyward and whispers of ancient rituals swirling in the air, this prehistoric monument beckons curious explorers and history buffs alike. A Circle Steeped in Mystery: Located a short distance from the charming town of Hay-on-Wye, Pen y Beacon's origins remain shrouded in mystery. While only four stones remain, archaeologists believe it once boasted a grand circle roughly 30 meters in diameter. Some speculate it served as a ceremonial site, while others believe it marked an important burial ground. The presence of portal stones, an uncommon feature in Wales, adds another layer of intrigue. Stepping Back in Time: As you stand amidst the stones, imagine the lives that unfolded here millennia ago. Picture druids chanting under the moonlight, families laying their loved ones to rest, or communities gat

Dartmoor, with its windswept landscapes and granite tors, whispers tales of a bygone era. Among its iconic landmarks stands Hound Tor, a weathered giant, steeped in history and mystery. If you're seeking adventure, intrigue, and breathtaking views, then lace up your boots and prepare to be enchanted. A Granite Masterpiece: Hound Tor isn't just any rock formation. It's a behemoth of weathered granite, sculpted by millennia of wind and rain. Its craggy peaks pierce the sky, offering panoramic vistas of the sprawling moorland. Hike to the summit, and the world unfolds before you: rolling hills dotted with sheep, ancient stone circles whispering secrets, and the distant glint of the English Channel. Whispers of the Past: But Hound Tor's magic lies not just in its natural beauty. It's a canvas painted with the strokes of human history. The nearby ruins of a deserted medieval village, Hundatorra, speak of a community that once thrived here. Imagine