In the captivating landscapes of Cornwall, England, a series of more than a dozen tunnels has been discovered, standing as the sole tunnels of their kind in the British Isles. The question of why Iron Age inhabitants created these tunnels remains an unsolved mystery. Crafted with stone supports on their tops and edges, these structures showcase a desire for longevity, enduring for approximately 2,400 years.
Many of these structures, known as fogous in Cornish, meaning caves, have been excavated by passionate antiquarians without maintaining comprehensive records, adding an air of mystery to their purpose. A tale from BBC Travel explores the intriguing enigma surrounding these ancient tunnels.
Cornwall’s landscape is adorned with hundreds of ancient stone features, including stone walls, cliff-top castles, roundhouses, hill forts, and fortifications. In terms of stone relics, the rural region boasts barrows, menhirs, stone circles, cairns, and, of course, inscribed stones. Additionally, there are 13 engraved stone slabs.
The Cornish countryside is scattered with megalithic architectural wonders, such as the Lanyon Quoit Megalith, adding to the tapestry of ancient structures.
“It is evident that the entire construction of these monuments did not occur simultaneously. Cornwall in Focus notes that humans have left their imprint on the planet’s surface for thousands of years, with each civilization having its unique methods to honor the deceased and/or their deities.”
As we explore Cornwall’s ancient mysteries, these tunnels stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of human civilization, with each culture leaving its mark on the planetary canvas over millennia. Unraveling the purpose behind these ancient structures invites us to delve into the diverse practices and rich history of those who came before us, leaving behind a puzzling legacy beneath the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall.
