Brazilian, British and Canadian archaeologists have discovered hundreds of earthen structures resembling Stonehenge in the rainforests of the Amazonian lowland. The corresponding study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, briefly reported by The Telegraph.
The age of the objects is estimated at 1.4-2.3 thousand years. Most of them are geoglyphs - circles and squares drawn in the ground, about 300 meters long. The objects were detected using drones, which explored the Amazonian lowland after deforestation.
The data obtained by scientists indicate that the ancient inhabitants of South America burned or cut down forests, after which an earthy geometric pattern was formed in their place. The formations that scientists were able to observe resembled geoglyphs located in the area of British Stonehenge.
Photo: Salman Kahn and José Iriarte
The latter appeared about 2.5 thousand years ago, which, according to archaeologists, outlines the framework of the cultural and historical lag of one world from another. So far, scientists agree that Brazilian geoglyphs arose sporadically and probably performed ritual functions.
Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire, UK, was built about four thousand years ago. The heaviest stones weigh 30-40 tons. The final purpose of the complex is still unknown. In ancient times, as shown by research by archaeologists, the main structures of Stonehenge were transferred from Wales to Wiltshire. Most likely, the monument was transported by the ancient Welsh, as archaeologist Mike Parker-Pearson of University College London believes it was "the physical embodiment of ancestors."
