Archaeologists from MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) have uncovered monumental pits from the Mesolithic Period at Linmere near Dunstable, England.
The site is being excavated in preparation for the construction of a new housing development by Bellway Homes, when the researchers found 25 pits that date from around 8,500 – 7,700 years ago.
Similar pits have been previously discovered throughout Britain and France in relatively small numbers. Even in the vicinity of Stonehenge, only 5 pits have been uncovered from the Mesolithic period. The pits at Linmere closely resemble those found near Stonehenge, both in terms of their dating and the quantity of artefacts unearthed.
The 25 pits measure up to 5 metres in width with a depth of 1.85 metres, and are clustered around former stream channels laid out in multiple lines up to 500 metres in length.
Professor Joshua Pollard, from Southampton University, said: “The Linmere Mesolithic pits are a very exciting discovery. While we know of other large and enigmatic pits dug by hunter-gatherers from elsewhere in Britain, including at Stonehenge, the Linmere pits are striking because of their number and the wide area they cover.”
An analysis of the pit contents has revealed a range of animal bones, including several wild species of aurochs, marten, deer and boar.
There are several theories about what these monumental Mesolithic pits were used for, from being used in hunting to storing food, however, due to the alignment and location to water sources, the researchers suggest that they could have a ritual significance, such as marking an importance ceremonial location in the landscape.
In a press statement by MOLA, the researchers said: We are hoping to discover whether the pits were all dug and in use at the same time, as well as understanding more about the plants growing nearby. We have already identified evidence of oak, hazel and pine, and are now studying tiny pieces of pollen.
Header Image Credit : MOLA
