London, Yiannis Haniotakis

The mysteries of Stonehendz have been concerned about scientists for centuries. In the 2010s, archaeologists and geologists recognized two quarries in Wales as the sources of Stonehenge’s legendary stones. Now, new elements published in August 2025 are boosting this theory.

Specifically, the analysis of a 5,000 -year -old cow’s jaw, which archaeologists believe that it was deliberately placed next to the southern entrance of the monument, reveals that the animal was born and lived in the early years of its life in Wales.

This finding supports the theory that the cattle were used to drag Stonehenge’s huge stones from Wales to the plain of Salsbury, where the monument was erected.

The jaw was discovered a century ago, in 1924, and dated to the beginning of the construction of the monument, between 2995 and 2900 BC. The discovery has since been concerned with historians. Why was it placed there? Why was this animal considered special? Researchers from the British Geological Institute (BGS), the University of Cardiff and University College London (UCL), used advanced techniques to analyze carbon, oxygen, strontium and lead isotopes.

The results of the analysis show that the animal came from an area of ​​paleozoic rocks, similar to those in Wales. This is the first time that scientific elements have connects the relics of bovine from Stonehenge to Wales.

Jane Evans, an honorary BGS researcher and associate, said: “This study has revealed unprecedented details of the life of the cow, providing the first evidence of bovine movement from Wales, as well as recording nutritional changes and life events that occurred about 5000 years ago. A piece of a cow tooth told us an excellent story and, as new scientific tools emerge, we hope that there is even more to learn from her long journey. ”

Richard Mandwick, a professor of archaeological science at the University of Cardiff, stressed: “This research has offered basic new knowledge of the biography of this enigmatic cow, whose relics were deposited at such an important location at the entrance.”