Massive ancient ceremonial site 'on par with Salisbury Plain' discovered in Scotland

[Judi Lynn]

A massive ceremonial site where people gathered almost 6,000 years ago is believed to have been discovered in the south west of Scotland.

By Alison Campsie
Friday, 26th March 2021, 9:45 am
Updated
Friday, 26th March 2021, 5:04 pm

Archaeologists made the find while working on the A75 Dunragit by-pass in Dumfries and Galloway, with analysis of their finds now published.

They believe the area may have been home to a ceremonial complex on the scale of Ness of Brodgar in Orkney, Kilmartin Glen in Argyll or Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.

The site, which spans some 2.5km, is one of a number of stunning discoveries made in the area with the finds spanning a period of 8,000 years.



The massive ceremonial site had views over Luce Bay in Dumfries and Galloway. PIC: James Johnstone/Flickr/CC.

The ceremonial complex, which dates to 3,800 BC, may have been a cursus monument – a cathedral-style complex of its day that was built by the surrounding community and visited in large numbers for ritual activity.

More:
https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/massive-ancient-ceremonial-site-on-par-with-salisbury-plain-discovered-in-scotland-3180278

[mopinko]

1. or markets.

why is some sort of ritual always assumed? markets came first, damn it.

[Wicked Blue]

3. Giant sports stadiums come to mind as well

There seem to be so many ancient ceremonial sites in the UK.

It makes me wonder if the primary occupation of the people who lived there was a) building ceremonial sites and b) holding ceremonies.

[mopinko]

4. they're markets.

they made their living at the markets.

[niyad]

2. Thank you so very much for sharing this.