Archaeologists now have strong scientific evidence that a vast ring of enormous pits discovered near Stonehenge was carved by humans more than 4,000 years ago. The findings, published in the journal Internet Archaeology, confirm that the mysterious Durrington pit circle is a deliberate man-made creation — not a natural geological formation.
The monument consists of around 20 deep pits, each spread across more than a mile surrounding the Neolithic complexes of Durrington Walls and Woodhenge. Some pits measure nearly 10 metres across and 5 metres deep, suggesting remarkable planning, engineering skill, and collective effort by ancient communities.
First discovered in 2020, the pit circle was hailed as one of the largest prehistoric structures ever found in Britain. Early theories even suggested it may represent one of the earliest examples of numerical counting, since laying out such a vast circle would have required precise measurement beyond simple visual judgment.
However, not all experts agreed. Some archaeologists argued that the depressions might have been natural formations. The latest research finally resolves that debate.
Led by Prof Vincent Gaffney from the University of Bradford, the team used an unprecedented combination of scientific tools to study the pits. This included:
- Electrical resistance tomography to measure the depth of the pits
- Ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry to map their shapes
- Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to determine when the soil was last exposed to sunlight
- Sedimentary DNA analysis to identify traces of ancient plants and animals
These methods revealed consistent soil patterns and structural traits that researchers say could only result from deliberate human digging. “We think we’ve nailed it,” Prof Gaffney said, calling the results conclusive.
While the pits’ exact purpose remains a mystery, the team believes they were likely created in the late Neolithic period, possibly linked to spiritual beliefs about the underworld. If confirmed, the discovery will offer fresh insight into the ritual, cultural, and ceremonial landscape surrounding Stonehenge.