Historians Mistook This for a Medieval King Arthur Site—But It's Far Older and Even More Mysterious

On the Cornish moors in southwestern England, there stands an enigmatic pile of stones and earth. Previously believed to be something specific, this location is now blanketed with grass. medieval livestock pen Constructed around 1000 C.E., scholars have now determined that the building dates back an additional 4,000 years—tracing its origins to at least 3000 B.C.E., which falls within the Neolithic era.

Referred to as King Arthur’s Hall, this distinctive location can be found on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. The structure spans approximately 160 feet in length and 70 feet in width, with its walls consisting of 56 earthen-covered stones that were originally vertical but now mostly lean, lie horizontally, or have been covered over.

There isn't another one like this anywhere. James Gossip , the chief archaeologist of the Cornwall Archaeological Unit , tells the Guardian As stated by Esther Addley, "Nothing constructed during that period or afterward in prehistory features a rectangular earthen and stone embankment accompanied by a stone setting." orthostats Around the inside. There is no...parallel."

The story unfolded several years back when local archaeologists began doubting the medieval roots of King Arthur’s Hall. As a result, Cornwall National Landscape , which safeguards local areas, ordered an inquiry to gather additional information.

Shortly thereafter, experts from the Cornwall Archaeological Unit along with scholars from various universities commenced their work. They excavated a modest trench close to the entry of the location, collecting samples intended for radiocarbon dating. Additionally, the group employed a method referred to as optically stimulated luminescence , aiding researchers in identifying the time since sediment was last illuminated by light, as stated by statement from Cornwall National Landscape.

"We showed that the soil underneath the bank was disrupted during construction, which reset the luminescence signals and allowed us to date the monument," explains Dr. Schotter. Tim Kinnaird , a geologist affiliated with the University of St. Andrews, statement From the university, they stated, "It's incredibly thrilling that we've managed to finally determine the age of this mysterious structure, which was once shrouded in myths and legends."

As the monument's title suggests, it has always been associated with the tale of King Arthur , the legendary leader of the Round Table Featured in medieval literature, historians possess minimal evidence suggesting that King Arthur actually existed. real person His life primarily corresponds to the fifth and sixth centuries C.E., well past the era when the enigmatic structure was constructed.

"The Middle Ages was a time when the Arthur name began to be associated with various peculiar locations that the locals from that era likely found perplexing," Gossip explains. Guardian That indicates that its initial purpose was no longer recognized by then, yet individuals connected it to King Arthur due to his link with something mystical and potent.

During the Neolithic period During the time when King Arthur’s Hall was constructed, communities in Britain started to establish themselves more permanently, transitioning towards construction and agriculture instead of relying solely on hunting and foraging. The Neolithic period in Britain spanned from approximately 4300 BCE to 2000 BCE , with several renowned landmarks such as the Stonehenge circles included among them. Avebury and Stonehenge .

Given the recently established antiquity of King Arthur’s Hall, researchers should consider its place within the prehistoric setting of the area, as stated by Kinnaird at St. Andrews. Nevertheless, the function of King Arthur’s Hall remains an enigma.

Many Neolithic monuments were “meeting points for communities, perhaps to mark special occasions or to carry out ceremonies,” Gossip tells the Guardian . He theorizes that King Arthur’s Hall had a similar function, though “it remains as an enigma.”

Kinnaird tells Live Science As Tom Metcalfe points out, Bodmin Moor hosts numerous other ancient sites such as standing stones and burial mounds, indicating significant Neolithic presence in the area.