Near Belfast, Northern Ireland, a team of researchers found evidence of an ancient stone circle dating back approximately 4,000 years. The discovery occurred near the Giant’s Ring, an enclosure surrounded by an earthen bank with a megalithic tomb at its center.
According to a statement from Queen’s University Belfast, the visible marks in aerial photographs of the area revealed that the Ballynahatty Ritual Complex extended beyond what was initially believed. Brian Sloan from the university led the research along with volunteers and students.
“We came across aerial photos of the area and noticed several crop marks in the field, which suggested that the ritual complex extended more than we initially thought,” Sloan explained. The team went to the field to verify those signs.
Details of the discovery
So far, there is no evidence that the structure is associated with burials. The researchers determined that the crop mark corresponds to a stone circle from the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age. Unfortunately, the site was altered in the 19th century when farmers in the region dismantled structures that interfered with farming activities.
