The enigmatic earth rings, found on the outskirts of Melbourne, Australia, have puzzled researchers for years. These large, circular formations, some believed to be over a thousand years old, were thought to have an unknown origin. However, a recent study has finally unveiled their true purpose and creators, shedding new light on their significance.
Published in Australian Archaeology, the study reveals that the rings were made by the Aboriginal Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, who inhabited the area centuries ago. The rings, found in Sunbury, a suburb of Melbourne, are part of a larger pattern of earth formations that stretch across Australia, though many were lost during European colonization. Similar rings have been discovered in other parts of the world, including the UK and Cambodia, but their cultural importance in Australia is immense.
The rings were created by digging and shaping the earth, forming large circular mounds that could stretch for hundreds of meters in diameter. According to the study, these rings were created anywhere from 590 to 1,400 years ago, and were made by clearing the land, scraping soil and rock, and layering stones. Campfires were also lit within these circles, and stone tools were used to move materials around.
While researchers initially thought the rings were sacred sites, new findings suggest that they held deeper cultural and practical significance. The rings were likely used in ceremonies, possibly related to plants, animals, and even human skin, in a process known as “scarring.” The rings served as both functional and symbolic spaces for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, representing their connection to the land and their cultural practices.
The findings highlight the resilience and adaptation of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people in the face of colonization, emphasizing the importance of preserving and understanding these cultural landscapes. The knowledge about the earth rings has been passed down through generations of Aboriginal people, and today, the surviving rings serve as a powerful reminder of their rich history and traditions.
As researchers continue to explore the rings, they note that while the specific functions of the “Sunbury Rings” may have faded, their cultural significance endures, providing valuable insight into the Aboriginal connection to the land. The discovery marks a crucial step in understanding the deeper meanings behind these ancient earth formations, offering a glimpse into the complex history of Australia’s Indigenous peoples.
