The Giants of Prehistory: Cro-Magnon and the Ancient Monuments

Robert John Langdon May 8, 2024July 15, 2024 Ancient Civilizations, Ancient Monuments, Ancient Technology, Archaeology, Boat Building, Cro-Magnons, Cultural Heritage, European History, Historical Innovations, Maritime Archaeology, Megalithic Structures, Prehistoric Engineering, Stone Tools, Stonehenge, Upper Paleolithic

Contents

1 Introduction
2 Further Reading

Introduction

Peering into the mists of prehistory, we discern figures as monumental as the structures they erected. The Cro-Magnons, our Homo Superior ancestors, tower over early European landscapes not only in their formidable physical stature but also through their enduring contributions to ancient engineering and societal development. This essay delves into how their exceptional physical and cognitive abilities enabled them to construct massive stone monuments across Northern Europe, reshaping our understanding of Stone Age capabilities.

Physical Attributes of the Cro-Magnons

The Cro-Magnons, synonymous with the first modern humans of the European Upper Paleolithic period, displayed remarkable physical traits. With an average height of 6’6″ and a weight of around 300 lbs, their robust builds were complemented by brains about 15% larger than modern humans. These enhanced physical and neurological features were crucial, empowering them to manipulate their environment and undertake monumental construction projects.

Technological Mastery and Monumental Construction

Contrary to the traditional view of prehistoric peoples as mere hunter-gatherers, the Cro-Magnons were sophisticated tool users with a profound understanding of their landscape. They harnessed their physical robustness and superior cognitive abilities to engineer tools and devise strategies for moving and erecting stones weighing over 20 tonnes. This capability is demonstrated by megalithic sites such as Stonehenge and Carnac, which stand as testaments to their architectural prowess.

The construction of these monuments involved more than sheer brute strength; it required an advanced understanding of engineering principles and effective teamwork. The ability to coordinate large groups for such projects suggests complex social structures and well-developed leadership capabilities within Cro-Magnon societies.

Maritime Mastery: Enhancing Construction and Connectivity

The most groundbreaking of the Cro-Magnons’ engineering achievements may have been their maritime technology development. As pioneering boat builders and sailors, they exploited waterways to transport themselves and the massive stones used in their megalithic constructions.

Boat-Building Innovations

The creation of boats marked a revolutionary expansion of human horizons. For the Cro-Magnons, boats were pivotal, transforming their interactions with the environment. Constructing durable, seaworthy vessels allowed them to navigate rivers and coastlines, facilitating the transport of heavy stones across extensive distances. The invention of the catamaran for transporting stones is a clear example of the level of engineering sophistication of this civilization that took thousands of years to duplicate after their demise. This innovation also reduced the physical strain and logistical complexity of moving large loads overland.

Navigational Skills and Waterway Exploitation

The Cro-Magnons’ strategic use of waterways suggests a sophisticated understanding of their environment. Their navigation skills, informed by knowledge of tides, currents, and seasonal water flows, were essential for the safe and efficient transportation of materials. This is why their sights are connected to astronomy and the moon, as tides are dictated by the moon’s movements over its twenty-eight-day cycle, which, as marine navigators, would be essential to comprehend. These skills imply a high level of environmental integration, enabling them to coordinate complex construction projects across vast distances.

Impact on Trade and Cultural Exchange

Their mastery of maritime pathways extended beyond facilitating construction projects and promoted trade and cultural exchange among distant communities. By forging waterborne trade routes, the Cro-Magnons facilitated the exchange of goods and technological and cultural innovations across Europe, profoundly impacting the development of early human societies.

The Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Megalithic Structures

Beyond their architectural achievements, the megalithic structures built by the Cro-Magnons held deep cultural and spiritual significance. These sites likely served as centres for religious activities and social gatherings, reflecting their spiritual lives and communal values. The enduring nature of these sites indicates their significance across generations, serving as focal points for cultural transmission and collective memory.

Linear Earthworks constructed for their boats

Upon studying archaeology, whether at university or examining detailed ordinance survey maps, one cannot help but encounter peculiar earthworks scattered across the British hillsides. Astonishingly, these enigmatic features often lack a rational explanation for their presence and purpose. Strangely enough, these features are frequently disregarded in academic circles, brushed aside, or provided with flimsy excuses for their existence. The truth is, these earthworks defy comprehension unless we consider overlooked factors at play.

One curious observation revolves around the term “Dyke,” inherently linked to water. It seems rather peculiar to apply such a word to an earthwork atop a hill unless an ancestral history has imparted its actual function through the ages. Let us consider the celebrated “Offa’s Dyke,” renowned for its massive linear structure, meandering along some of the present boundaries between England and Wales. This impressive feat stands as a testament to the past, seemingly demarcating the realms of the Anglian kingdom of Mercia and the Welsh kingdom of Powys during the 8th century.

However, delving further into the evidence and historical accounts challenges this seemingly straightforward explanation. Roman historian Eutropius, in his work “Historiae Romanae Breviarium”, penned around 369 AD, mentions a grand undertaking by Septimius Severus, the Roman Emperor, from 193 AD to 211 AD. In his pursuit of fortifying the conquered British provinces, Severus constructed a formidable wall stretching 133 miles from coast to coast.

Yet, intriguingly, none of the known Roman defences match this precise length. Hadrian’s Wall, renowned for its defensive prowess, spans a mere 70 miles. Could Eutropius have referred to Offa’s Dyke, which bears remarkable similarity to the Roman practice of initially erecting banks and ditches for defence?

Figure 1- Offa’s Dyke (Red) – note that it is only complete if you connect the existing rivers to the ditches (Dykes Ditches and Earthworks)

The enigma persists, leaving us to ponder whether Offa’s Dyke, with its impressive extent, holds an ancient Roman legacy or represents a separate and awe-inspiring creation. As we navigate the depths of history, it becomes increasingly apparent that these earthworks hold hidden stories waiting to be revealed, revealing the multifaceted montage of Britain’s past and the extraordinary engineering feats that have shaped its landscape through the ages.

Indeed, history is a complex tapestry woven with a multitude of threads, and the interpretation of archaeological evidence often shapes our understanding of the past. Throughout history, conquerors and civilisations have repurposed existing features, such as ditches, augmenting them with defensive banks and walls to suit their strategic needs. The Romans and the Normans, among others, have demonstrated this practice.

In the case of Offa’s Dyke, the enigma deepens if we consider the possibility that the Romans were the architects behind its creation. Such a scenario challenges the conventional attribution of the Dyke to King Offa and raises questions about the true origins and purpose of this massive linear earthwork. Archaeological realities, or perhaps misinterpretations, can indeed hold the key to unveiling hidden facets of our history.

It is essential to approach historical accounts and archaeological evidence with a critical eye and an openness to multiple interpretations. The past often leaves tantalising clues that may require careful examination and reevaluation. By embracing the complexities and uncertainties of history, we can better appreciate the intricacies of human civilisation and the varied influences that have shaped it over the ages.

In pursuing truth, historians and archaeologists must remain receptive to new insights, allowing the evidence to guide their conclusions, even if it means challenging established narratives. By unravelling these historical puzzles, we can better understand our collective heritage, appreciating the rich combination of human experiences and the myriad forces that have moulded history.

Cross-Dykes

The peculiar earthworks etched upon the British landscape have not eluded the discerning eyes of archaeologists and cartographers alike. These enigmatic features, often defying conventional explanations, have intrigued the curious minds of scholars and historians. A new designation, “Cross-Dykes,” has partially acknowledged their distinctiveness and unusual placement.

Cross-Dyke (Dykes Ditches and Earthworks) — The Giants of Prehistory: Cro-Magnon and the Ancient Monuments 9

Cross-Dykes, substantial linear earthworks, grace the upland terrain, their lengths varying between 0.2km and 1km. Besides one or more banks, they bear ditches, running parallel in an enigmatic dance upon ridges and spurs. Historical excavations and analogies with related monuments paint a broader picture, extending back to the millennia of the Middle Bronze Age. Their purpose, though elusive, leans towards territorial boundaries, delineating parcels of land within ancient communities. But beyond such boundaries, they may have served as tracks or routes for cattle or even as defensive structures.

A pivotal element to grasp lies in the acknowledgement that Cross-Dykes have, at their core, a prehistoric origin. No longer shackled to erroneous notions of Saxon or medieval connections, these ancient features warrant a fresh lens to illuminate their true significance. The names of notable earthworks, like Wansdyke and Offa’s Dyke, may well bear a more profound revision in light of this newfound understanding.

Yet, we must not overlook the Historic England claim that only “very few” of these earthworks remain. The broader landscape contradicts this assertion, teeming with over 1500 scheduled ‘Linear Earthworks,’ showcasing the scope and magnitude of these intriguing remnants. Moreover, advancements in the art of surveying, as heralded by LiDAR, have revealed hidden troves of earthworks, once lost to the unyielding grasp of time and misinterpretation.

To critique archaeological theories with acuity, one must first comprehend their tenets. The evolving narrative seeks to unravel the enigma shrouding these linear earthworks, breathing life into ancient histories etched in the soil. Embracing a spirit of inquiry and remaining receptive to novel discoveries, we embark on a quest of unravelling the untold stories lingering within the terrain. With each revelation, the layers of history peel back, revealing a canvas of human ingenuity, perseverance, and the grandeur of the past, etched forever in the folds of Britain’s landscape. Archaeologists have (partially) recognised that these many earthworks are placed in strange areas for conventio

Conclusion: A Comprehensive View of Cro-Magnon Capabilities

The legacy of the Cro-Magnons is not confined to their physical remains but extends through the monumental stone structures they left behind. These structures were not merely the result of raw physical power but were born from a sophisticated blend of engineering knowledge, astronomical understanding, and complex social organization. As we continue to uncover more about these ancient builders, we gain a greater sense of our past and a profound appreciation for the ingenuity and strength of our ancestors. This reevaluation of Cro-Magnon’s capabilities invites us to reconsider the narrative of human progress and the true origins of civilization as we know it.