Alexander Thom proposed that prehistoric builders used a standardized unit called the 'megalithic yard' (0.829 meters) to lay out stone circles. MacKie later supported this at BROCKS LINN in Scotland - an Iron Age settlement (1500-500 BC) where he found evidence of exactly circular construction. His research suggests some stone circles are elliptical and point to systematic knowledge of geometry and basic measurement units among these ancient builders.
Alexander Thom's megalithic yard theory and MacKie's supporting research at BROCKS LINN
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Key facts
- Alexander Thom proposed the megalithic yard (0.829 meters/32.8 inches) as a standard unit for laying out stone circles
- MacKie conducted parallel research at BROCKS LINN, an Iron Age building in Scotland, finding evidence of exactly circular construction
- MacKie found evidence that a minority of stone circles are elliptical and suggest use of a standard unit of length
- MacKie argues the stone circle builders had systematic knowledge of geometry and basic measurement units
Sources
The megalithic yard | Research | The Guardiantheguardian.com
Thom concluded that the builders used a standard unit of measurement, which he called the megalithic yard. This measured 2.72ft (40 megalithic ...
Megalithic Yard or Megalithic Myth? - NASA ADSadsabs.harvard.edu
1 His most startling conclusion was that these sites were set up with almost unbelievable accuracy, using a standard of length, which Thom calls the Megalithic ...
: Megalithic Yard: Rewriting Alexander Thom's Hypotheses - GJ Bathgjbath.com
Thom declared the common unit to be a Megalithic Yard of some 829mm (2.72 feet) divided into 40 Megalithic Inches. He also postulated a Megalithic Rod of two ...
97. The Megalithic Yard and the Metonic Cycle - Mercurial Pathwaysmercurialpathways.com
Thom's surveys of stone circles across Britain suggested the use of a standard unit of measure. His conclusions, although debated, invited a ...
(PDF) A Brief Reconsideration of Alexander Thom's Megalithic Yardacademia.edu
Thom proposed the Megalithic Yard as a measurement unit of approximately 2.72 feet for ancient stone circles. Critiques of Thom's work often stem from ...
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