Ancient Stone Structures Discovered Under Lake Constance
Written on
Chapter 1: The Discovery Beneath Lake Constance
Archaeologists have recently made a captivating discovery at the bottom of Lake Constance, leading to comparisons with the iconic Stonehenge. What exactly did they uncover there?
Lake Constance is notable not just for its vast expanse but also for the archaeological treasures hidden beneath its surface. For several years, researchers have been investigating the stone formations located at the lake’s bottom, dubbing it the “Swiss Stonehenge.”
[Photo: Simon Waldherr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
The renowned Neolithic monument, Stonehenge, has inspired various unofficial counterparts worldwide. While the purpose of the original remains a subject of scientific debate, similar structures have been referenced as “Their Stonehenge” by nations including Germany and Canada.
Recently, archaeological findings in Lake Constance have sparked new parallels to the British megaliths. What do we know about these underwater stone formations, and what still eludes our understanding?
Section 1.1: Water Stonehenge
Nestled at the junction of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland lies this picturesque lake. Recent excavations have uncovered nearly 200 stone formations on its floor, dating back to the Stone Age. However, the creators and the reasons behind these structures remain a mystery.
Research at this site has been ongoing since 2015, when numerous clusters of human-made stones were found in the southern region of Lake Constance. These mounds are located approximately 300 meters from the shore, in a shallow area where the average depth is under 5 meters. Together, these formations create an underwater structure extending over 10 kilometers.
The authors of a 2021 study suggest that these constructions were likely built by Neolithic peoples, with estimates indicating that some could be around 5,500 years old. Notably, these stone piles did not always lie beneath the water; the timeline of their submersion remains unclear, although it is believed to be linked to climate change that raised the lake's water level by 3 to 5 meters.
Section 1.2: Unraveling the Mystery of the Stone Mounds
In 2022, researcher Urs Leuzinger from the Canton Turgovia Archaeological Museum shared insights about wooden piles marked with stone axe cuts found beneath the stones. Previous studies indicate that wooden structures were built in this area around 3500 BC. This leads to speculation that the mounds may have been constructed by the same community that inhabited those wooden houses.
Leuzinger posits various potential functions for the stone structures: “Fish traps, defense mechanisms, agricultural tools, worship sites, burial grounds, or even astronomical calendars. Who can say for sure?”
Nevertheless, the lack of information about the Neolithic inhabitants of the Lake Constance region complicates efforts to connect these stone formations to the ancient houses. The lifestyles of these communities remain largely enigmatic.
Chapter 2: Lake Constance - A Tourist Haven
Lake Constance ranks as the third largest lake in Central Europe, attracting numerous tourists with its scenic landscapes. Active visitors can cycle around the lake, choosing between a shorter route of approximately 126 km through Constance and Meersburg or a longer 270 km journey that encompasses the Untersee and Überlingersee.
Along the way, travelers can explore charming towns across three nations: Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, each boasting its own unique character. For instance, Constance is characterized as a vibrant university town, while Bregenz is celebrated for its annual opera festival.
The lake is a hotspot for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing. For those preferring to stay dry, boat cruises are a popular recommendation, offering a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Lake Constance.
Discover the astonishing underwater stone structures that predate Stonehenge, found at the bottom of Lake Constance in this intriguing video.
Explore the shocking new discoveries surrounding Stonehenge that have surprised archaeologists in this fascinating documentary.
The Earth's upper atmosphere is shrinking. Does this have any advantages?
Scientists have just confirmed a hypothesis made three decades ago. Measurements of the Earth’s upper atmosphere have...
Cool that you made it to the end of this article. I would greatly appreciate your support by leaving some claps or perhaps following me. A tip would also be wonderful! Thank you!