Recent archaeological breakthroughs have confirmed that the Carnac megaliths in the Bay of Morbihan, France, are among Europe’s oldest megalithic structures. The definitive dating of these stone alignments has captivated archaeologists and historians, shedding light on the origins of megalithic culture. The new study, published in Antiquity, provides conclusive evidence of the stones’ age, using cutting-edge dating techniques that have helped us finally pinpoint their historical timeline.
In a significant advancement, a team of archaeologists, including Bettina Schulz Paulsson, employed advanced radiocarbon dating combined with Bayesian statistical modeling to reconstruct the timeline of these ancient monuments with unprecedented accuracy. The discovery brings to light the remarkable role that the Carnac region played in the broader megalithic tradition across Europe, with a history that spans thousands of years. The Carnac stone alignments, stretching over six miles and comprising over 3,000 standing stones, represent an ancient civilizational landmark that continues to provoke curiosity and awe.
The study confirms that these monuments were constructed between 4600 and 4300 cal B.C.E., establishing them as Europe’s earliest known megalithic monuments. This milestone has profound implications for the study of early human history, especially considering the limitations that archaeologists have historically faced in dating the site.
A Breakthrough in Dating Techniques
Dating the Carnac megaliths has always posed a significant challenge to archaeologists. Due to the acidic soils in the region, organic materials such as bones, often used in radiocarbon dating, rarely survive. As a result, previous attempts to pinpoint the age of the stones yielded imprecise results. The breakthrough came with the excavation of Le Plasker, a previously unexplored area of the Carnac region. This excavation was part of a rescue operation, prompted by plans for a nearby business park development.
While the stones themselves had been removed, the foundation pits remained intact. These pits, containing fragments of sediment, charcoal, and stone from the original placements, provided vital material for precise radiocarbon dating. Using a combination of 50 radiocarbon dates and Bayesian statistical modelling, the team was able to determine the precise age of the Carnac stone alignments.
“Thanks to nearly 50 radiocarbon dates and the application of Bayesian statistical modelling, we were able to reconstruct the site’s history with unprecedented chronological precision,” said archaeologist Bettina Schulz Paulsson. This technological advancement has allowed archaeologists to finally gain a clear understanding of the Carnac megaliths’ origins.
The Age of the Megaliths: 4600–4300 B.C.E.
The Carnac stone alignments, with their towering presence, have long been a source of wonder for both researchers and the general public. Now, we know with certainty that they were constructed between 4600 and 4300 cal B.C.E., placing them firmly in the Neolithic period. This timeframe makes the Carnac megaliths among the earliest megalithic structures discovered in Europe.
“The alignments in the Carnac region now appear to be among the earliest megalithic monuments in Europe, with this section constructed between 4600 and 4300 cal B.C.,” said Paulsson. This finding significantly alters our understanding of prehistoric European societies, suggesting that the Bay of Morbihan region played a crucial role in the development of megalithic culture.
The sheer scale of the Carnac site—over 3,000 stones spread over six miles—is a testament to the social and organizational capabilities of the Neolithic people who built them. These alignments, though their exact purpose remains unclear, are believed to have held important cultural, ceremonial, or astronomical significance for the communities that created them.
The Tomb of Le Plasker: Uncovering New Insights into Early Burial Practices
In addition to the stone alignments, the excavation at Le Plasker revealed the remains of a monumental tomb, which was constructed around 4700 cal B.C.E.. This discovery is particularly significant because the tomb was built atop a Mesolithic hunter-gatherer hut, suggesting a continuity of human occupation and ceremonial practices in the region. The presence of the hut beneath the tomb offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving burial customs and the transition from hunter-gatherer to agricultural societies.
Aerial view of the funerary monument (figure by A. Blanchard).
The tomb, dating to a few centuries before the stone alignments, marks an important moment in the history of European burial traditions. It suggests that the people of the Carnac region began developing complex burial rituals long before the widespread use of megalithic structures for ceremonial purposes.