Stone row

Stone Row

A stone row is a linear arrangement of upright, standing stones, typically found in the British Isles, but also in other parts of the world. These rows can vary in length from a few meters to several kilometers and may consist of just a few stones or many. Stone rows are often associated with prehistoric times, particularly the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods.

Description

Stone rows are characterized by their linear arrangement, which distinguishes them from other megalithic structures such as stone circles or dolmens. The stones in a row can vary significantly in size, from small stones barely protruding from the ground to large monoliths several meters high. The spacing between the stones can also vary, with some rows having stones placed at regular intervals and others appearing more irregular.

Purpose

The purpose of stone rows is not definitively known, but several theories have been proposed:

• Astronomical Alignments: Some stone rows are thought to have been aligned with celestial events, such as the solstices or equinoxes, serving as ancient calendars or observatories.
• Ritual or Ceremonial Pathways: Stone rows may have been used as processional routes for religious or ceremonial purposes.
• Territorial Markers: They could have served as boundary markers or territorial demarcations.
• Funerary or Memorial Functions: Some stone rows are associated with burial sites, suggesting a possible connection to funerary practices.

Notable Examples

Merrivale Stone Rows

Located on Dartmoor in Devon, England, the Merrivale stone rows are among the most famous examples. They consist of two double rows of stones running parallel to each other, with a length of about 182 meters.

Carnac Alignments

In Brittany, France, the Carnac stones include several stone rows, the most famous being the Ménec alignments, which consist of 11 rows of stones stretching over a kilometer.

Callanish Stones

The Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland include a stone row that forms part of a larger stone circle complex.

Archaeological Significance

Stone rows provide valuable insights into the prehistoric societies that constructed them. They reflect the social, religious, and technological aspects of these communities. Archaeologists study the layout, orientation, and context of stone rows to understand their function and significance.

Conservation

Many stone rows are protected as scheduled monuments due to their historical and cultural importance. Conservation efforts focus on preserving these structures from natural erosion, human interference, and environmental changes.

Also see

• Stone circle
• Dolmen
• Menhir
• Megalith
• Neolithic architecture