STONE BOTHERING

Nestled amidst the arid splendor of Peru's Nazca Desert lies an enigma cloaked in sand and time - Cahuachi. This sprawling pre-Columbian archaeological site, predating even the iconic Nazca Lines, whispers tales of a long-gone civilization shrouded in mystery. Cahuachi wasn't your typical city. Unlike its contemporaries focused on habitation, this behemoth of a complex, stretching over 0.6 square miles, served as a monumental pilgrimage center for the Nazca people between 1 AD and 500 AD. Imagine a bustling hub of religious fervor, drawing in throngs of devotees for ceremonies, rituals, and perhaps even astronomical observations. Over 40 towering mounds, some reaching 50 meters in height, dominate the landscape. These earthworks, meticulously constructed from adobe bricks, once supported grand adobe structures, now reduced to whispers of their former glory. Yet, their imposing presence still evokes a sense of awe, hinting at the immense effort and resources poured into this sac...

Nestled amidst the arid plains of Pachacamac, just south of Lima, Peru, lies a captivating landmark – Cerro Pan de Azucar (Sugarloaf Hill). This hill, rising like a solitary sentinel from the golden sands, is much more than just a striking geological formation. It's a place steeped in ancient history and cultural significance. For centuries before the Incas arrived, the Ichma people venerated Cerro Pan de Azucar as a sacred site. They believed it to be a huaca, a place imbued with spiritual power and connected to the cosmos. Archaeological evidence, such as pottery fragments and burial sites, paints a picture of rituals and ceremonies conducted here, honoring nature and seeking the favor of the deities. The Incas, upon incorporating Pachacamac into their empire, recognized the hill's spiritual importance and built upon the existing Ichma foundations. They dedicated the site to Pachacamac, the creator god in their pantheon. Remnants of Inca structures, including terraces and pla...

Towering over the Hayle Estuary and Mount's Bay, Trencrom Hill stands as a stoic witness to millennia of Cornish history. Its 175-meter crest, nicknamed the "hunchbacked bulge" by locals, offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch from the rugged coastline to the verdant inland. But Trencrom Hill is more than just a scenic vista; it's a layered tapestry of ancient settlements, folklore, and natural beauty. Your ascent begins on a winding pathway, and as you climb, the past unfolds around you. The univallate enclosure at the summit whispers of Neolithic inhabitants who built this tor enclosure centuries before the pyramids rose in Egypt. Further down, remnants of Iron Age ramparts speak of fierce warriors who sought refuge within these ramparts, gazing out at the ever-changing tides. Scattered cairns and hut circles hint at rituals and daily life, painting a vivid picture of life long ago. Trencrom Hill isn't just a history book; it's a living cauldron of...

Nestled in the heart of modern Lima, Peru, lie two ancient treasures - Huaca Pucllana and Huallamarca. These pre-Columbian archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the fascinating history of the pre-Inca cultures that once thrived in the region. Huaca Pucllana: Huaca Pucllana, located in the trendy district of Miraflores, is a large adobe pyramid complex built around 500 AD by the Lima culture. This impressive structure, with its 22-meter-high central pyramid and intricate plazas and courtyards, served as a significant administrative and ceremonial center. The site's name, Huaca Pucllana, which translates to "Sacred Place of Play, " hints at its multifaceted role. It was not only a place of religious and political importance but also a hub for social activities and gatherings. Visitors can explore the site's various structures, including the pyramid, plazas, and ramps, and marvel at the skill and ingenuity of the ancient builders. The on-site museum ho...

Portheras Barrow is a Neolithic burial mound located in Cornwall, England. It is one of the largest and best-preserved barrows in the county, and it is thought to date back to around 3000 BC. The barrow is made up of a mound of earth and stone, and it originally had a stone chamber at its center. The chamber has since been destroyed, but some of its stones can still be seen. Portheras Barrow was first excavated in 1891, by the antiquarian William C. Lukis. Lukis found a number of artifacts in the barrow, including pottery, flint tools, and human bones. He also found the remains of the stone chamber. Portheras Barrow is located on Portheras Common, near the village of St. Just. The common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and it is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare plants and animals. Portheras Barrow is a significant archaeological site, as it provides us with valuable insights into the lives of the Neolithic people who built it. The barr...

The Valley of Stones is a National Nature Reserve in Dorset, England, that is home to a unique landscape of scattered sarsen boulders. These large, naturally occurring stones are thought to have formed during the last ice age, when freeze-thaw cycles caused the sandstone on the nearby hills to fragment and slump downhill. The sarsen stones in the Valley of Stones are some of the largest and most impressive in southern England. They range in size from small pebbles to boulders that weigh over 100 tons. The stones are a warm, honey-brown color and have a weathered, textured surface. Among the boulders lies a hidden treasure: a Neolithic polishing stone. This polishing stone, or polissoir, is a large boulder with a smooth, concave surface. It is thought to have been used by Neolithic people to sharpen and polish their stone tools. The polishing stone was discovered by a team of volunteers who were clearing vegetation from the valley floor. It is the only undisturbed polissoir to have been...

Chapel Carn Brea is a hill in Cornwall, England, with a rich archaeological history. The hill is home to a number of prehistoric monuments, including a Bronze Age barrow, a medieval chapel, and a World War II observation post. The Bronze Age barrow is the most prominent archaeological feature on Chapel Carn Brea. It is a large mound of earth and stone that was built over 4,000 years ago. The barrow was likely used as a burial place for important members of the community. In the 13th century, a medieval chapel was built on top of the Bronze Age barrow. The chapel was dedicated to St Michael of Brea, and it was tended by a succession of hermits. The chapel fell into disrepair in the 18th century and was eventually demolished in 1816. During World War II, Chapel Carn Brea was used as an observation post. A shelter was dug into the east side of the hill, and a lookout tower was built on the summit. The observation post was used to monitor for enemy aircraft and ships. Today, Chapel Carn Br...

Sancreed Holy Well is a sacred spring located in the village of Sancreed in Cornwall, England. It has been a place of pilgrimage and healing for centuries, and is one of the most well-known holy wells in Cornwall. The well is located in a beautiful grove of pine and holly trees, and is surrounded by an air of mystery and enchantment. The water in the well is said to have healing powers. Near the well are the ruins of a medieval chapel. The chapel is thought to have been dedicated to Saint Creed, a local saint. However, the pagan traditions associated with the well continued, and it remained a place of pilgrimage for people of all faiths. The chapel was destroyed during the English Civil War, but the well itself remained intact. In the 19th century, the well was cleared and restored, and the chapel ruins were excavated. In 1910, a modern Celtic cross was erected near the well and the chapel ruins. If you are looking for a place to connect with the ancient spirits of Cornwall, then Sancr...

Chun Castle and Chun Quoit are two of the most impressive ancient landmarks in Cornwall, England. Located near the village of Pendeen, they offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Chun Castle is a large Iron Age hillfort, built around 2,500 years ago. It is situated on a prominent hilltop, affording stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The fort is surrounded by two massive stone walls, with the inner wall enclosing an area of around 10 acres. The interior of the fort contains the remains of several roundhouses, which would have been the homes of the people who lived and worked there. Chun Castle is thought to have had a defensive purpose, given its strategic location and the presence of the two stone walls. However, it is also likely that the fort was a center for trade and social activity. The proximity of the fort to the much older Chun Quoit suggests that the two sites may have been connected in some way. Chun Quoit is a Neol...

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...

Dolmens, those ancient megalithic structures, have captivated the imagination of many, standing as silent sentinels of history. Found scattered across the English countryside, these burial chambers are steeped in mystery and lore. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most notable dolmens in England. TRETHEVY QUOIT Located in Cornwall, Trethevy Quoit is one of the most striking dolmens in the country. This impressive structure consists of a massive capstone resting on three upright stones, creating a chamber that was likely used for burial purposes around 3500 BC. The quoit measures approximately 4 meters long and stands at a height of 2 meters. Its architectural grandeur hints at the skills of prehistoric builders and their understanding of stone construction. Visitors to Trethevy Quoit often feel a deep connection to the ancient world, imagining the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here. SPINSTER'S ROCK Not far from the picturesque village of Drewsteignton in De...

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...

Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire, England, Avebury is one of the most intriguing prehistoric sites in the world. While Stonehenge often steals the limelight, Avebury offers an expansive and fascinating landscape dotted with ancient stones, each steeped in history and legend. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable features. DEVIL'S CHAIR The Devil's Chair is a striking formation within Avebury, shaped like a throne or seat. Legend has it that this stone was once used by the Devil himself to survey the surrounding landscape. The tale goes that the Devil would sit here, tempting passersby with mischief. This stone exudes an aura of mystery, drawing visitors to ponder its dark associations. Whether you believe in folklore or not, the imposing presence of the Devil's Chair is undeniable, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the site. RING STONE According to local legend, the Ring Stone was once whole and stood proudly as a pivotal part of the Avebury circle. However, ...