Re: The bluestone debate | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Stonehenge and its Environs 134

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The bluestone debate

GordonP Nov 17, 2008 22:53:33

Replying to FourWinds

If quarrymen in Wexford definitely used this technique to move 3 tonne millstones how can you dismiss it as viable? This method means that you don't have to lift it into the boat. Ever tried lifting a 3 ton stone into an animal skin boat?[/quote]

Simply because it makes no sense, just because quarrymen in Wexford didn't know any better does not mean that Neolithic knew as little.

If I can load a boat as described (and believe me I can) then Neolithic man could, they were a lot smarter than this little "rough-arsed builder".

Why sling a stone beneath a boat when you can put it safely inside just as easily. With the stone inside the boat paddling is so much easier.

GordonP Nov 17, 2008 22:58:43

Replying to GordonP

GordonP wrote:

Simply because it makes no sense, just because quarrymen in Wexford didn't know any better does not mean that Neolithic knew as little.

If I can load a boat as described (and believe me I can) then Neolithic man could, they were a lot smarter than this little "rough-arsed builder".

Why sling a stone beneath a boat when you can put it safely inside just as easily. With the stone inside the boat paddling is so much easier.[/quote]

PS I'm not talking about an animal skinned boat but a real sea going boat perhaps 50 ft long and 12ft in the beam with a rockered bottom.

FourWinds Nov 18, 2008 11:23:40

Replying to GordonP

GordonP wrote:

Simply because it makes no sense, just because quarrymen in Wexford didn't know any better does not mean that Neolithic knew as little.

If I can load a boat as described (and believe me I can) then Neolithic man could, they were a lot smarter than this little "rough-arsed builder".

Ah ... the old thick Irishman routine. Not a good approach really.

These quarrymen were craftsmen making precision millstones. I think they probably knew a thing or two.

And I don't think you should describe yourself as a "rough-arsed builder", in an attempt to better your argument. Your ideas are clearly very advanced, very possible and efficient, which may be their downfall.

None of us have any proof that the people who moved the bluestones were anything other than rough-arsed quarrymen.

I have enormous respect for your ideas and I think you could be right about the stone-rowing. I think you're wrong about this one, though.