Archaeologists Detect New Stone Circles at Historic Norwegian Burial Site

Archaeologists using ground-penetrating radar have discovered additional ring ditches at the Hunn burial ground in eastern Norway, Archaeology Magazine reported. The non-invasive survey revealed newly uncovered circles located in the site's West Field, an area where traces of large ancient burial mounds remain. The finding builds upon existing knowledge of the location, where standing stone circles were previously known to have been erected in the South Field approximately 2,000 years ago. [1]

The radar survey allows researchers to map subterranean features without disturbing the soil or damaging delicate organic remains. Ground-penetrating radar works by sending electromagnetic signals into the earth and measuring the reflected signals to detect hidden structural boundaries. Archaeologists frequently rely on these non-destructive geophysical techniques to locate buried features, such as ditches or foundations, prior to committing to physical excavation. [1]

The specific purpose of the newly identified ring ditches remains under investigation by researchers. Anne Lene Melheim of the Museum of Cultural History in Norway stated that the builders may have created the circle initially to plan the construction of the larger burial monument. Alternatively, the circular path may have formed as people walked in a circle around the site during ancient ceremonial activities. [1]

The Hunn burial ground is situated in Norway, a Nordic country in Northern Europe whose capital city is Oslo. The discovery highlights how remote sensing technologies continue to uncover earlier phases of site preparation and ritual activity at long-studied archaeological sites across Scandinavia. [1][4]