Overview

• Analyses of thorium and zirconium levels revealed an exact match between the Newall Boulder and rock samples from Craig Rhos-y-Felin in the Preseli Hills.
• The findings published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports definitively rule out glacier transport for these bluestones.
• Researchers conclude that Neolithic communities intentionally quarried and hauled the 200-kilometer-distant boulder around 3000 BC.
• Surface features once attributed to glacial abrasion are now interpreted as products of natural weathering or prehistoric tooling.
• While the precise hauling techniques remain unknown, the team suggests use of ropes, wooden sledges and prepared trackways by prehistoric builders as plausible methods.