STONE BOTHERING

Cerro La Virgen , a lesser-known archaeological site located in Huanchaco, Peru, offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of the region. Nestled between the bustling city of Trujillo and the serene Pacific Ocean, this hilltop sanctuary once played a pivotal role in connecting the powerful Chimu Empire's capital, Chan Chan, to the vast Inca Trail. A Sacred Sanctuary Cerro La Virgen was a sacred site for both the Chimu and Inca civilizations. Its strategic location, overlooking the fertile valley of Moche and the sea, made it an ideal place for religious ceremonies and astronomical observations. Archaeologists have discovered numerous structures, including temples, residential quarters, and storage facilities, that provide evidence of its importance. The Chimu Connection The Chimu Empire, which flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries, built Chan Chan, one of the largest cities in the pre-Columbian Americas. Cerro La Virgen served as a crucial outpost for the Chimu,...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills and charming villages of Cornwall lies the intriguing Bowl Rock. This massive, granite boulder is more than just a natural wonder; it's imbued with the whimsical tales of giants that once roamed the land. A Giant's Bowling Ball? Standing proudly at the foot of Trencrom Hill, Bowl Rock's smooth, rounded form is almost too perfect to be entirely natural. Local folklore whispers of a time when giants dwelled on Trencrom. These giants, with their insatiable appetite for competition, apparently enjoyed a rather boisterous game of bowls. Bowl Rock, according to legend, is one of their well-used bowling balls, left behind after a particularly enthusiastic round. A plaque near the rock, maintained by the National Trust, reinforces this fantastical story. It playfully acknowledges the local legend, adding a touch of charm to the historical significance of the site. More Than Just a Myth While the giant's bowling game might be a delightful legend,...

The Hackpen Hill Standing Stone  is a lone sarsen stone located in Wiltshire,  England.  It stands near the White Horse Way,  an ancient prehistoric trackway,  just below the Ridgeway on Hackpen Hill. Here's some information about the stone: Type:  Sarsen stone (a type of sandstone) Possible age:  The exact age of the stone is unknown, but it is likely prehistoric. Purpose:  There is no definitive explanation for the purpose of the stone. Some theories suggest it could have been a marker stone, part of a larger monument, or even erected more recently by a farmer. While the reason for its existence remains a mystery, the Hackpen Hill Standing Stone offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to ponder the lives of those who came before us. All rights reserved Stone Bothering 

Peyre, a charming village nestled on the banks of the Tarn River in southern France, holds secrets deeper than its picturesque facade. Beyond the quaint cafes and winding streets lies a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological history, waiting to be explored. A Journey Through Time: Layering the Past Imagine yourself standing on the banks of the Tarn, gazing at the towering cliffs that flank the village. These majestic walls are composed of limestone, sedimentary rock formed over 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period. This period saw vast, shallow seas covering the region, teeming with marine life. Look closely, and you might even spot fossilized remnants of these ancient creatures, ammonites and brachiopods whispering tales of a bygone era. As you venture further, you'll encounter evidence of dramatic shifts. The landscape bears the scars of the Variscan orogeny, a mountain-building event that occurred around 300 million years ago. These forces tilted and fol...

Towering over the pristine sands of Laguna Beach in Brazil, the Pedra do Frade (Monk's Rock) isn't just a geological marvel; it's an enigma veiled in legend and steeped in mystery. This monolithic rock formation, resembling a cloaked friar gazing out to sea, has captivated the imaginations of locals and visitors alike for centuries. Let's delve into the myths and realities surrounding this captivating landmark. A Tapestry of Legends: Local folklore abounds with tales woven around the Pedra do Frade. Some believe it represents a real monk, shipwrecked and forever frozen in stone as punishment for his misdeeds. Others claim it marks the entrance to a lost city, its secrets guarded by the silent sentinel. There are even whispers of hidden treasures buried beneath the rock, waiting to be discovered by a worthy soul. Beyond the Myths: Geological Grandeur: While the legends add a fantastical flair, the Pedra do Frade's origins are firmly rooted in science. Ge...

Nestled amidst the arid plains of Pachacamac, just south of Lima, Peru, lies a captivating landmark – Cerro Pan de Azucar (Sugarloaf Hill). This hill, rising like a solitary sentinel from the golden sands, is much more than just a striking geological formation. It's a place steeped in ancient history and cultural significance. For centuries before the Incas arrived, the Ichma people venerated Cerro Pan de Azucar as a sacred site. They believed it to be a huaca, a place imbued with spiritual power and connected to the cosmos. Archaeological evidence, such as pottery fragments and burial sites, paints a picture of rituals and ceremonies conducted here, honoring nature and seeking the favor of the deities. The Incas, upon incorporating Pachacamac into their empire, recognized the hill's spiritual importance and built upon the existing Ichma foundations. They dedicated the site to Pachacamac, the creator god in their pantheon. Remnants of Inca structures, including terraces and pla...

Towering over the Hayle Estuary and Mount's Bay, Trencrom Hill stands as a stoic witness to millennia of Cornish history. Its 175-meter crest, nicknamed the "hunchbacked bulge" by locals, offers breathtaking panoramic views that stretch from the rugged coastline to the verdant inland. But Trencrom Hill is more than just a scenic vista; it's a layered tapestry of ancient settlements, folklore, and natural beauty. Your ascent begins on a winding pathway, and as you climb, the past unfolds around you. The univallate enclosure at the summit whispers of Neolithic inhabitants who built this tor enclosure centuries before the pyramids rose in Egypt. Further down, remnants of Iron Age ramparts speak of fierce warriors who sought refuge within these ramparts, gazing out at the ever-changing tides. Scattered cairns and hut circles hint at rituals and daily life, painting a vivid picture of life long ago. Trencrom Hill isn't just a history book; it's a living cauldron of...

Chapel Carn Brea is a hill in Cornwall, England, with a rich archaeological history. The hill is home to a number of prehistoric monuments, including a Bronze Age barrow, a medieval chapel, and a World War II observation post. The Bronze Age barrow is the most prominent archaeological feature on Chapel Carn Brea. It is a large mound of earth and stone that was built over 4,000 years ago. The barrow was likely used as a burial place for important members of the community. In the 13th century, a medieval chapel was built on top of the Bronze Age barrow. The chapel was dedicated to St Michael of Brea, and it was tended by a succession of hermits. The chapel fell into disrepair in the 18th century and was eventually demolished in 1816. During World War II, Chapel Carn Brea was used as an observation post. A shelter was dug into the east side of the hill, and a lookout tower was built on the summit. The observation post was used to monitor for enemy aircraft and ships. Today, Chapel Carn Br...

While the Devil's Pulpit technically sits on the English side of the River Wye, in the Forest of Dean district, its most iconic views are of the Welsh landscape across the water. This dramatic limestone outcrop offers a glimpse into history and folklore, making it a popular spot for walkers and photographers alike. A Panoramic Vista The most striking feature of the Devil's Pulpit is undoubtedly the view. From the flat plateau at the top of the rock, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the Wye Valley. The majestic ruins of Tintern Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand proudly on the opposite bank in Wales, their gothic arches framed by rolling green hills. A Whispering Legend Adding to the intrigue of the Devil's Pulpit is the local legend associated with its name. The story goes that the devil, envious of the monks residing in Tintern Abbey, used this rocky outcrop as a pulpit to preach and tempt them away from their faith. While the legend is undoubt...

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Preseli Mountains in Wales lies an unassuming rocky outcrop called Craig Rhos-y-felin. This seemingly ordinary sight, however, holds a hidden secret – it is believed to be the source of some of the stones used to construct the iconic Stonehenge monument. Craig Rhos-y-felin's claim to fame lies in its unique geological composition. The site is rich in a specific type of rock called foliated rhyolite, which is remarkably similar to the stones found in Stonehenge, particularly the "bluestones." This discovery, made in 2011, sent shockwaves through the archaeological world, potentially rewriting the narrative of Stonehenge's origins. The theory suggests that the prehistoric inhabitants of Wales quarried stones from Craig Rhos-y-felin around 3400 BC. These stones were then transported over 240 kilometers to their final resting place at Stonehenge, a feat that speaks volumes about the ingenuity and determination of these ancient peopl...

High on Dinas Mountain in Wales lies Carn Enoch, an ancient settlement shrouded in mystery. Crumbling rock outcrops hint at a bygone era, while a possible ring cairn or hut circle sparks the imagination. But perhaps the most intriguing feature at Carn Enoch isn't a structure at all, but a single rock etched with a series of precise marks. These are no ordinary scratches. The rock at Carn Enoch boasts a collection of tally marks, their purpose a subject of much debate. Archaeologists and history buffs have been pondering their meaning for years, with various theories vying for explanation. Lunar Calendar or Ledger of Life? One theory suggests the tally marks represent a lunar calendar. The number of markings (around 28-32) aligns with the lunar cycle, and their position relative to a natural groove on the rock might indicate the phases of the moon. This would paint a fascinating picture of Carn Enoch's inhabitants – a people attuned to the rhythms of the cosmos. Another theory l...

The Peak District became the first of the national parks in England and Wales in 1951. The prehistoric landscape attracts thousands of visitors every year. Here we list places that are worth a visit in this amazing national park. THE ROACHES The Roaches is a prominent rocky ridge formed from a thick bed of coarse sandstone of Namurian age, which occurs widely across the Peak District. The gritstone escarpment consists of amazing rock formations which are very popular with hikers and rock climbers. The most famous rock formations are Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks. DOVEDALE Dovedale is a limestone valley famous for its interesting rock formations. The rock formations are the result of fossilised remains of sea creatures that lived in a shallow sea over the area during the Carboniferous period, about 350 million years ago. The rocks were cut into craggy shapes by glacial meltwater during the two ice ages and formed the landscape we see in these days. The caves in the area were also formed d...

Scotland is well known for its stunning landscape. Mountains, rock formations, caves, cliffs, islands, you name it. The further north you go, the wilder it gets. Here we list 5 impressive geological formations that are worth a visit. THE STORR The Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye. It's an example of the Trotternish landslide which is the longest such feature in Great Britain. The Storr was formed by underlying sedimentary rocks that collapsed under the weight of the basalt, tipping everything sideways and creating this unique landscape. The area in front of the cliffs known as the Sanctuary, features a number of pinnacles that are the remnants of the ancient landslides. The most iconic geological feature is certainly the Old Man of Storr. KILT ROCK Kilt Rock is a sea cliff so named for the resemblance of a pleated kilt, with vertical basalt columns forming the pleats and intruded sills of dolerite forming the pattern. This beautiful geological ...

Somerset, a picturesque county in the southwest of England, is not only famous for its rolling hills and stunning coastlines but also for its rich prehistoric heritage. Nestled within its landscapes are remarkable sites that offer a glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors. In this blog post, we’ll journey through some of Somerset’s most significant prehistoric locations. CHEDDAR GORGE One of the most famous landmarks in Somerset, Cheddar Gorge, is not just a breathtaking natural wonder but also a site of immense archaeological importance. This limestone gorge, carved by glacial meltwater, is home to Cheddar Man, one of the oldest complete human skeletons found in Britain, dating back over 9,000 years. The area features ancient caves that were inhabited by early humans, offering invaluable insights into prehistoric life. Walking through the gorge, visitors can explore the dramatic cliffs while reflecting on the lives of those who once roamed this rugged landscape. BURRINGTON COM...

Argentina is known for its stunning and varied landscape. But in Northern Argentina, the landscape becomes more dramatic and also more colourful. Most of the landscape is composed by desert, valleys, hills and mountains. The colourful landscape is the product of a complex geological activity that started around 600 million years ago when the area was still under water. The different colours of sedimentary layers that compose the mountains and hills have been formed during different time periods. The rocks with shades of green are believed to be the oldest ones. Here we have listed four jaw-dropping places that are unmissable in Northern Argentina. FOURTEEN COLOURED MOUNTAIN (SERRANIA DE HORNOCAL) The Fourteen Coloured Mountain is a limestone formation called Yacoraite which is a largely Mesozoic geologic formation. The mountain is mainly composed of rock outcrops from different time periods and it was created between 130 and 65 million years ago. Dinosaur remains and other fossils have...

Nestled in the enchanting Forest of Dean, King Arthur's Cave stands as a remarkable testament to both natural history and human existence. This intriguing site, with its stunning limestone formations, offers a fascinating glimpse into the Earth's geological processes and the lives of those who once sought shelter within its depths. Geological Marvel King Arthur's Cave is primarily composed of limestone, a sedimentary rock formed from the remains of marine organisms over millions of years. The cave itself is a product of karst geology, characterized by features such as sinkholes, underground rivers, and, of course, caves. Over thousands of years, water has eroded the limestone, creating the striking stalactites and stalagmites that adorn its interior. The play of light on these formations creates a surreal atmosphere, making it a popular spot for visitors and nature enthusiasts alike. Evidence of Human Occupation The true allure of King Arthur's Cave, however, extends be...

Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Ecuador, the Toachi River Canyon is a remarkable geological formation that showcases the intricate interplay of natural forces over millions of years. This breathtaking site not only captivates visitors with its dramatic scenery but also offers a fascinating insight into the geological processes that have shaped the region. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the geology of the Toachi River Canyon, exploring its formation, rock types, and the natural processes at work. The Formation of Toachi River Canyon The Toachi River Canyon is believed to have been formed during the Quaternary period, primarily through the erosive power of the Toachi River. As the river cut through the volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the area, it carved a deep gorge, revealing layers of geological history. The canyon itself is a testament to the forces of erosion, showcasing how water can sculpt the landscape over time. The region is characterized by its volcanic origins, a ...