These strange rings, first discovered on the outskirts of what’s now Melbourne, have puzzled scientists for years. But there has been a huge breakthrough in understanding why and when they were created.
Sorry to disappoint any UFO enthusiasts out there, but the truth isn’t otherworldly it’s actually way cooler.
A recent study published in Australian Archaeology says that these ancient rings were made by the local Aboriginal tribe, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, centuries ago.
These massive earth rings, found in Sunbury to the northwest of Melbourne, have long been a mystery, especially since similar rings have even been spotted in places like the UK and Cambodia.
But thanks to a unique excavation, researchers uncovered that the Sunbury rings were created somewhere between 590 and 1,400 years ago.
They discovered that Aboriginal people of the time cleared the land, scraped soil and rocks, and carefully arranged stones to form the ring mounds. They even built campfires here and used stone tools for various tasks within the rings.
Researchers believe these rings may have played a role in preparing plants and animals, and possibly even in ceremonial practices involving human skin.
Although 100’s of these rings have been found, the belief is that many more were likely destroyed during European colonization. The remaining earth rings, however, are deeply meaningful to Aboriginal groups today.
They serve as an important reminder of their history, culture, and the lasting connection between their ancestors and the land.
Understanding these rings isn’t just about archaeology, it’s about gaining insight into Aboriginal culture and the profound impact they’ve had on the country that we share for thousands of years.
