Remarkable 4,000-Year-Old Seahenge In Norfolk – What Was The Purpose Of The Bronze Age Monument?

Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com - One of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of recent times was the uncovering of the so-called Seahenge off the north coast of Norfolk, United Kingdom.

The enigmatic 4,000-year-old structure discovered in 1998 was a groundbreaking moment in Bronze Age archaeology. Preserved in the shifting sands of Holme beach on the North Norfolk coast, the unique timber circle named Seahenge resembled Stonehenge in Wiltshire.

Seahenge. Credit: Explore Norfolk

“The circle was originally built on the salt marsh away from the sea, and specialists estimate it to have been built of timbers dating from the spring of 2049 BC.

It would have been positioned in an area protected from the sea by dunes and mud flats. This swampy area created a layer of peat, which slowly covered the timbers, protecting them from decay.

The circle is 6.6m in diameter and comprises 55 closely fitted oak posts, originally standing up to 3m in height.

It is thought to have been constructed by the people of the small farming communities who lived in wattle and daub round houses.” ¹

This is a preview of our premium article available only to members of Ancient Pages.

Become a member to read more -  Click here

If you are already a member and have logged in to your account, you can access the article here

See also: 

Hedeby: Prestigious Trading Center And One Of The Largest Baltic Sea Ports In Viking Age

Lejre Viking Hall And Beowulf – What Is The Connection?

Lusatian Culture: Ancient Traders Of Central Europe Built Strongly Fortified Settlements To Withstand Scythian Attacks

More Premium Articles