New Radiocarbon Dating Reveals Origins of Carnac's Megaliths

Recent advancements in radiocarbon dating techniques have unveiled significant insights into the construction of the megalithic monuments located in the Carnac region of Brittany, France. The findings, published in the journal Antiquity, suggest that these remarkable stone alignments date back to between 4600 and 4300 cal BC, making them among the earliest megalithic structures in Europe. This research is part of a collaborative effort led by the University of Gothenburg, in partnership with the French excavation company Archeodunum and the University of Nantes.

The Carnac stones, comprising over 3,000 standing stones arranged in a unique alignment stretching over 10 kilometers, hold a pivotal place in European archaeology, akin to other famous sites such as Stonehenge and Malta's megalithic temples. Bettina Schulz Paulsson, an archaeologist at the University of Gothenburg and project leader of NEOSEA, emphasized that the findings confirm the Bay of Morbihan as a primary megalithic region in Europe, thus reshaping the understanding of prehistoric construction practices in this area.

The research team utilized advanced excavation techniques and Bayesian statistical modeling to accurately date the structures. According to Audrey Blanchard, excavation director at Archeodunum, the systematic sampling yielded nearly 50 radiocarbon dates, allowing researchers to reconstruct the site's history with unprecedented accuracy. This breakthrough was critical given the region's acidic soils, which typically hinder the preservation of organic materials necessary for radiocarbon dating.

In addition to the stone alignments, the excavation at Le Plasker, a newly discovered area bordering Carnac, revealed a monumental early tomb dating back to around 4700 cal BC. This tomb was found directly above the remains of a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer hut, indicating a significant continuity of human activity in the region spanning thousands of years.

The presence of hearths and cooking pits in conjunction with the stone alignments suggests that these megaliths may have been constructed in association with fire-related activities, although their exact purpose remains to be fully understood. As ongoing analyses of sediments and stone fragments continue, the research team is expected to provide further clarity on the social and ritualistic significance of these ancient structures.

This research not only enhances our knowledge of the Carnac alignments but also contributes to the broader discourse on prehistoric societies in Europe. The implications of this study may influence future archaeological methodologies and approaches in understanding megalithic constructions and their functions in ancient communities. As the field of archaeology evolves with the integration of new technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations, the Carnac stones will undoubtedly remain a focal point for ongoing exploration and discovery in the quest to understand our shared human past.