Re: Route of the Sarsens. | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

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Route of the Sarsens.

nigelswift Feb 12, 2008 19:21:49

Replying to GordonP

I do appreciate the "totally knackered" problem Gordon. My simple point was that if you double, treble and quadruple the workforce it reduces commensurately. So instead of about twenty rowers or fifty draggers (as you had at Foamhenge) they might have had 1000 draggers, which puts a different complexion on things. Whether they did we really don't know but I recall you originally proposed stonerowing as a viable method for if numbers were limited and I agree it is, but if they weren't I'm a lot less sure. Unless we know that bit of information we can never be sure. You need a bit of rock art ideally.

GordonP Feb 12, 2008 19:47:47

Replying to nigelswift

Hi again Nigel
To get an idea of the possible population of this country 4000 years ago check out the population 1000 years ago via the doomsday book. Then go back in 3000 years in direct proportion.

Then consider the fact that the figure you emerge with is spread evenly throughout these islands. You will find that the Orkney Islands had as many people per sqare mile as the rest of the country at that time. Then think about how many of these people lived within walking distance of Salisbury plain.

You will find your possible workforce strickly limited.

jimit Feb 12, 2008 19:53:32

Replying to nigelswift

Bit of a dilemma here. The "ramps" would have been too narrow to accommodate Stonerowing so dragging on rollers seems to be the less efficient alternative.
Looking at OS Explorer 130 again a thought occurs that the valley of the Avon could have been used, it is downhill all the way!
Of course it's not quite that simple, didn't I hear that the climate was drier then so the river/stream would be shallower and incapable of supporting rafts or boats. Would the dried mud in the summer be capable of supporting Stone rowing?

So many questions.

Must go now, my therapist suggests I need to rest and we are going to relax rolling sugar cubes on Twiglets......

Jim.