STONE BOTHERING

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...

Standing proud on the windswept moors of Cornwall, England, the St Breock Downs Monolith is a stark and imposing figure. This prehistoric standing stone, known locally as Men Gurta or the "Man of Cornwall," is the largest and heaviest in Cornwall, weighing an estimated 16.75 tons and towering over 5 meters tall. The monolith's origins remain shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to date back to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age, around 2500-1500 BC. Its purpose is unclear, though archaeologists speculate it could have served as a territorial marker, a ritual site, or even a burial monument. The monolith stands on a low stone mound or cairn, adding to its enigmatic presence. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and dramatic coastline, further enhances the sense of awe and wonder that this ancient monument evokes. Visiting the St Breock Downs Monolith is a truly unique experience. The journey to the site itself is an adventure, with winding lanes l...

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...