Archaeologists have uncovered a prehistoric structure consisting of two posts that were aligned with the solstices approximately 5,000 years ago. The site, located three miles from Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, predates the famous monument.

The excavation at Bulford village revealed dozens of post holes containing artifacts from the prehistoric era. Radiocarbon dating of these objects has established the age of the site at 5,000 years old. Among the finds were a prehistoric antler digging tool, carved animal bones, and decorated pottery fragments.

Significant Artifacts Unearthed

Tools made of flint were also discovered, including a rare Neolithic knife shaped into a rounded, discoidal form. "It was, I think, our star find," said Harding of Wessex Archaeology, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of the piece. A rounded piece of flint that has been carefully worked to create a knife. It is white, with some brown and grey marks, and is set against a black background. The areas where pieces of the flint have been struck off using another stone are clearly visible. It is not a perfect circle but its sides are rounded.

This unique knife was found in an upright position, suggesting it may have been deliberately placed and possibly held symbolic significance. Harding speculated that its discoidal shape could have been a reference to the sun.

Another notable find was a small bone carving, potentially used as a tool for making holes in materials like leather. A small piece of bone that has been carved to a sharp point at one end. It may have been used to make holes when working leather. The pointed end is on the left and the wider end on the right. It is white and light brown and is set against a black background. There is a slight groove running about half way along its length from the wider end.

The discovery of this older, simpler structure near Stonehenge provides further insight into the prehistoric activities and beliefs of the people who inhabited the region thousands of years ago.