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Were the rows planned as one design or accreted over time?

Asked 26 Oct 2026 by ·Part of Why were the rows built?·3 answers·0·0 following
Most likely: rows grew by additions over centuries along a common axisAhead on the evidence, not yet confirmed. It needs two reviews to be accepted.

Where it stands

Three answers have been proposed. Rows grew by additions over centuries along a common axis. leads, with evidence 1 for: supported by its tests. Two are still possible.

Why it matters

An astronomical instrument implies a design laid out at once; a monument built over generations implies accretion⁠[1]⁠[2].

Answers 3

Evidence: 1 for
Most likely
Evidence: 1 against
Disputed
None of these.
Not tested enough to call either way
Evidence: none yet
Still possible

History

  1. Thom & Thom puts forward: each row system was laid out to a single plan in a short period.
  2. Blanchard et al. puts forward: rows grew by additions over centuries along a common axis.
  3. Blanchard et al.: three subphases of standing stones and a final stone at Le Plasker span 4670 to 4250 cal BC.For: Rows grew by additions over centuries along a common axis.
  4. Blanchard et al.: staggered dates within the Le Plasker rows.Against: Each row system was laid out to a single plan in a short period.
  5. Asked on this site
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