Cow's Tooth Traces Stonehenge Stones' Welsh Origins

In a significant archaeological discovery, researchers have uncovered new evidence about how the massive stones of Stonehenge were transported to their final resting place on Salisbury Plain. Analysis of a cow's tooth, found deliberately placed beside the entrance to the Neolithic monument, has revealed that the animal began its life in Wales, the source of many of Stonehenge's bluestones.

The jawbone containing the third molar tooth was discovered a century ago, but its origins have long puzzled historians. Now, a team of researchers from the British Geological Survey, Cardiff University, and University College London have used advanced isotope analysis to trace the cow's journey. The lead isotopes in the tooth show spikes during the late winter to spring, indicating the animal drew on lead already present in its skeleton to nourish its calf during pregnancy. This lead composition is characteristic of the Palaeozoic rocks found in Wales, the closest source to Stonehenge.

This finding lends credence to the theory that cattle were used as beasts of burden to haul the enormous stones across the 125-mile distance from the Preseli Hills to their final destination. While archaeologists had previously found no evidence of cattle being used in this way during the Neolithic period, more recent research has suggested their sturdy feet may have been well-suited to the task.

Whether the cow traveled to Stonehenge alive or its remains were curated there, the placement of the jawbone at the monument's entrance implies the animal held some ritual significance for the people who built the site. This new evidence provides a fascinating new perspective on the logistical challenges and cultural practices involved in the construction of one of Britain's most iconic prehistoric landmarks.