Stonehenge is one of many megalithic monuments from prehistory dotted around Europe and scientists have now discovered the art form of giant rocks was a popular trend that started 6,500 years ago in France.
- The first monument was erected in northwest France in 4,500 BC, study finds
- Then the tradition, practice and popularity for similar monuments spread
- Monuments appeared at coastal regions on Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts
- Sailors are thought to have taken the trend around Europe over 2,000 years as they used their budding sea routes
The knowledge and expertise to create these monuments was then spread around Europe by sailors over the following millennia.
Similar monuments to the original appeared in coastal regions around the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts via sailors on large ships using emerging sea routes.
The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, theorizes that these megalith structures have been around for nearly 7,000 years and may have originated in northwestern France.
Relevant Stonehenge News links:
Was Stonehenge built by seafarers? Daily Mail
Stonehenge, other ancient rock structures may trace their origins to monuments like this. Science Mag
Prehistoric sailors may be responsible for Stonehenge. New York Post
Stonehenge mystery solved? Fox News
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