Ancient Arthur Monument Discovered: Over 5,000 Years Old!

A meticulous analysis conducted on the soil of an ancient site in the UK, associated with the legendary figure of King Arthur, has yielded compelling evidence suggesting that its construction predates the medieval era, lying buried beneath the Earth’s surface for millennia.

Recent findings propose that King Arthur’s Hall in Cornwall, England, is, in fact, approximately 5,500 years old—an astonishing revelation that renders the rectangular earth and stone structure quintuple in age compared to a prior estimation, which situated its origins around 1000 AD.

This significant chronological advancement situates the monument within the context of the Neolithic period, potentially necessitating a reappraisal of its nomenclature. While the historical authenticity of King Arthur remains a matter of contention among scholars, his mythic narratives are more closely aligned with the darker epochs of the Middle Ages rather than the prehistoric domain.

The key to this revised dating hinges upon a sophisticated technique known as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), which analyses the cumulative impact of background radiation on electron positions within buried minerals. The luminescent response of these minerals, when excited, provides crucial insights into the duration since they last experienced exposure to sunlight.

“The ability to accurately date the construction of this enigmatic monument, traditionally steeped in myth, is exceedingly exhilarating,” states archaeologist Tim Kinnaird from the University of St Andrews in the UK.

The monument, measuring 47 meters by 20 meters (154 feet by 66 feet), is situated on Bodmin Moor and is encircled by stone blocks referred to as orthostates, some reaching heights of up to 1.8 meters (6 feet), although the majority are currently not in an upright position.

Previously hypothesized to function as a camp or cattle pound, the newfound dating of King Arthur’s Hall invites a paradigm shift regarding its potential purpose. “We must now scrutinize this monument in light of Bodmin Moor’s prehistoric landscape and the other significant structures that may have existed concurrently,” Kinnaird remarks.

“This discovery suggests a vibrant Neolithic landscape, indicative of an active community within the moor, warranting further exploration.”

As reported by the BBC, researchers believe there are more secrets to unveil at this site. Visitors are urged to exercise caution to avoid disturbing the structural remnants, which are already classified on the Historic England At Risk register due to encroaching vegetation, livestock, and human activity.

The unique nature of King Arthur’s Hall complicates the task of discerning its function and the identity of its creators. “This is an unparalleled site,” asserts lead archaeologist James Gossip from the Cornwall Archaeological Unit, speaking to Esther Addley of The Guardian. “No comparable structure exists from this or any subsequent prehistoric period—a rectangular bank of earth and stone framed by a setting of orthostats is entirely singular.”