Overview

• Lead isotopes in the cow’s third molar match signatures typical of ancient Palaeozoic rocks, with Wales the most plausible nearby source according to BGS researchers.
• Carbon and strontium data show winter woodland fodder and summer pasture from different geologies, indicating either seasonal mobility or imported winter feed.
• The jawbone, excavated about a century ago, was deliberately placed beside Stonehenge’s south entrance during its earliest phase around 2995–2900 BCE.
• The study by the British Geological Survey, Cardiff University and UCL adds biomolecular evidence that complements recent geological provenancing of bluestones to the Preseli Hills.
• Archaeologists say the findings strengthen links to southwest Wales and permit, without proving, that cattle or oxen and substantial provisioning could have supported stone transport, while it remains unclear if the animal reached the site alive.