Re: Neolithic Rope! | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Stonehenge 181

Image by Stoneshifter

Stone shifting 5

Steve Gray Sep 16, 2003 17:18:50

Replying to nigelswift

I think it's good to pursue these ideas. If we could get a small piece and perform some testing on it (and film ourselves doing it), or get your Scandinavian contact to provide authoritative documentation of her testing, then we can estimate the size of rope that would be needed for the job.

We don't actually have to use replica rope (big expense and big H&S problems), we only need to have demonstrated that Neolithic Man could have made rope that was equally well suited to the task.

If, for example, it turns out that Neolithic Man would have needed multiple ropes rather than one (to keep the thickness down) , then we can do that too, and just use the equivalent diameter of modern rope (which will, of course, be much stronger than required).

GordonP Sep 16, 2003 17:33:04

Replying to Steve Gray

Very true, but do we need ropes to pull the stone upright? Ropes used on the ends of levers will only need to withstand a breaking strain equal to the weight of the man pulling. Which is a very differant proposition.

nigelswift Sep 16, 2003 17:46:38

Replying to Steve Gray

Gordon, I'm confused, I thought we were thinking of doing it 2 ways, and both would need rope?
And not using an A frame seems an arbitrary stance for us to take. There's no evidence of pulleys, so we can't use those, but A frames and levers are accepted as likely, as they're so obviously apparent. Also, I've been playing around with Steves 100 ft tree system and it seems very efficient on my model.

Steve, if we do need any rope then yes, just a bit would be good to have, I'll talk to her. I don't think we should totally give up on the idea of buying some merely on the grounds of cost though. I think we have quite a product here and will find it easy to get some sponsorship- maybe even from Norway, as it would be such a prestigous thing for them.

When we've settled if we're using ropes, and in what context, could you let me know what strength would be needed so I can write to her?

FourWinds Sep 17, 2003 09:13:24

Replying to Steve Gray

It has already been proved that hide-ropes could do the job. There was that silly TV prog where they tried to recreate old things (like Archimedes' boat lifter etc) which did loads of strain testing on them.

I think this has already been credibly proven, so you really shouldn't worry too much about it. You could easily find out the actual breaking strains measured , match it with modern rope and quote the research.

As a note on expense - the program originally wanted to do their project with authentic materials, but they were told it would take about a year to produce enough and be VERY expensive.