Did Our Ancestors Leave Behind a Map of the Afterlife?

Credit: Tomáš Hustoles from Burst

Life is a journey. That may also be true for the afterlife. Archaeologists have unearthed prehistoric remains that they believe could have been used as a map to guide souls from life to the afterlife.

A Discovery in Ireland

In a stunning archaeological discovery, a team led by James O’Driscoll of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Aberdeen has uncovered a series of prehistoric cursus monuments in Baltinglass, Ireland. These monuments are believed to have served as ceremonial pathways for the dead. Utilizing cutting-edge LiDAR technology, the team revealed these ancient structures, previously hidden beneath centuries of natural cover, stretching impressively across the landscape.

Sketches of the Baltinglass cursus monuments
Credit: Cambridge.org

Cursus monuments are long and relatively narrow earthwork enclosures generally defined by an enclosing bank with a ditch on the outside. Ireland is rich with monuments of seemingly deep significance to its ancient inhabitants, and this would only add to the lore.

How These Monuments Link to the Afterlife

The findings suggest these cursus complexes were not merely physical structures but held profound spiritual significance for the Neolithic inhabitants, aligning with significant solar events, possibly marking crucial moments in their agricultural and ceremonial calendar.

At least three of the complexes align with significant burial sites. And all three burial sites align directly between their cursus and the rising sun on the summer solstice or autumn equinox.

Driscoll explains: “The function of these types of monuments has always been a thorny topic, as we simply don’t have enough information. But given that some of the Baltinglass sites can also be linked with burial monuments, this suggested to me that they may have been ceremonial monuments used in burial practices, where the cursus marked the physical route in which the dead moved from the living into the afterlife.”

This revelation not only offers a glimpse into the spiritual and social dynamics of ancient Ireland but also poses intriguing questions about the cosmological views of our ancestors. As research continues, these pathways may further illuminate the rituals and beliefs surrounding death and rebirth in prehistoric communities.