(A
film discussing the theories of Professor Alexander Thom, engineer
and researcher into the mathematical properties of stone age
megalithic architecture.)
Thom
hypothesizes that the stones laid in recognizable configurations
at locations in the UK and Brittany were sophisticated recording
devices depicting events in the lunar and solar calendar in human
prehistory.
·Alignment
of the megaliths relate to the setting and rising of the sun
over particular geographic features during solstices and equinoxes.
·Thom
hypothesizes that the stones were laid not in imperfect circles
as thought by many but in intentional ellipses and egg-shaped
configurations based on mathematical principles. Thom proposes
that ellipses were formed using arcs around cmultiple points
of reference and that the corresponding radii and cords of the
ellipses between stones relate to 3-4-5 triangles, or Pythagorean
dimensions. The positioning of stones was the result of complex
mathematical calculations based upon the positions of celestial
bodies at certain times of the year. Thom surveyed the exact
dimensions for megalithic arrangements throughout the United
Kingdome. In all cases measurements were based upon a standard
unit of measurement of 2.72, or the megalithic yard.
·From
these observations Thom deduced that the architects of the megaliths
were accomplished engineers that formed conclusions based upon
an established body of knowledge. Before these findings Pythagorean
geometry had not revealed itself in history before the time of
Pythagoras, thousands of years after the placement of the megaliths.
· Stones
point to reference points upon hilltops, valleys or crags on
the horizon which are aligned with the position of the setting
and rising of the moon or sun on a particular day in the celestial
calendar.
·At
Temple Wood in Argyle Thom hypothesizes that a central megalith
points to a crag on the horizon where the moon sets every 19
years in the completion of the 19 year lunar cycle. The accuracy
of such a measurement would suggest that the ancients made astronomical
observations at this site for at least 50-100 years.
·In
the North of the United Kingdome in the Isle of Lewis stand the
megaliths of Callanish. Thoms measurements have discovered alignments
of stones pointing to setting and rising events of both the solar
and lunar calendars. Furthermore all the stones are aligned in
a North South axis, useful for predicting the precise occurrence
of midday.
·Thom
applied his theories to Carnac in Brittany and noted similar
eclipse configuration of stones at the end of series of rows.
·At
Cruceno a square formation of megaliths appeared to differ from
the geometry of other configurations in Brittany and the UK.
The square was however formed from two 3-4-5 triangles based
on ten times the unit of the megalithic yard. The rectangle was
aligned to the north and its diagonal cross section pointed to
the point of the midsummer sunrise.

Stonehenge
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Carnac
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Avebury
|
Annaliese's
general comments about ancient science:
·Construction
and manipulation of earth forms was a spiritual process. Identifying
receptacles of the spirit in plants, water forms and geological
forms. These
constructions may have been created with extraordinary mathematical
accuracy using established engineering principles and acted as
oracular guides and calendars for significant ceremonies such
as healing and fertility.
Definitions
Megalith -
[mega]great[lith]stone; Menhir - Single stone, monolith.
Cromlech -
Circle of stones; Ahu - Platform for Statue or Monolith
Dolmen -
Burial Chambers; Trilithon - 3 stones forming an arch
Stonehenge
Stonehenge
underwent a sequence of building from the neolithic to the bronze
age. Early construction used bluestone that was imported to the
site from wales. Sandstone was used for the stones of later construction
and these were quarried in the near vicinity.
Click
here for more information on Stonehenge...
Avebury
Consisting
of two circles over 600 monoliths from the neolithic period of
human history. An obelisk (now absent) in the center of the rings
would have cast a shadow acting as an ancient agricultural calendar.
Click
here for more information on Avebury...
Carnac
Located
in Brittany, France. An example of megaliths placed in rows and
curving lines. At least 3000 stones were placed on the site.
The stone placement is most likely more than 5000 years old from
the neolithic period. |