Brian John’s 2015 paper, "Observations on the Supposed ‘Neolithic Bluestone Quarry’ at Craig Rhosyfelin, Pembrokeshire", argues that Craig Rhosyfelin wasn’t a Neolithic quarry for Stonehenge’s bluestones, claiming its features are natural rather than human-made. It critiques archaeologists like Parker Pearson for overinterpreting evidence.
Assumptions
The paper assumes all site features are natural, like glacial deposits, without comparing similar sites, which seems speculative given excavation evidence. It also assumes large stones couldn’t be transported, overlooking potential Neolithic methods.
References and Logic
It cites over 50 sources but includes self-citations and misses detailed counters to geochemical links supporting quarrying. Its logic includes personal attacks on archaeologists, like suggesting bias, and overemphasizes absence of artifacts without addressing possible decay.
Conclusion
While John raises valid questions, his paper leans on outdated ideas and doesn’t fully address recent research, like geochemical provenancing, suggesting ongoing debate about Craig Rhosyfelin’s role.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Brian John’s 2015 Paper on Craig Rhosyfelin
Brian John’s paper, "Observations on the Supposed ‘Neolithic Bluestone Quarry’ at Craig Rhosyfelin, Pembrokeshire", co-authored with Dyfed Elis-Gruffydd and John Downes, published in December 2015, challenges the hypothesis that Craig Rhosyfelin in North Pembrokeshire was a Neolithic quarry used for extracting bluestones transported to Stonehenge. The authors argue that the site’s features are natural geological formations rather than evidence of human quarrying, critiquing archaeological interpretations favoring human activity. This analysis focuses on the paper’s assumptions, references, and logic, particularly concerning Craig Rhosyfelin’s relation to Stonehenge, based on the document and recent research available as of April 8, 2025.
Background and Context
The debate over Stonehenge’s bluestones has long been contentious, with theories ranging from human transport to glacial movement. John’s paper specifically targets the claim by Mike Parker Pearson and colleagues that Craig Rhosyfelin was a Neolithic quarry, based on geochemical matches and interpreted quarry features. The authors’ critique is rooted in geological and geomorphological observations, but it also engages with archaeological interpretations, often critically.
Detailed Review of Assumptions
John’s paper relies on several assumptions that may not be fully justified, potentially undermining its conclusions:
- Natural Origin of Features: The authors assume all features at Craig Rhosyfelin, such as the rock face, quarry spoil bank, and proto-orthostat, are natural, resulting from glacial, fluvioglacial, and periglacial processes. They cite a sedimentary sequence (broken rock debris, diamicton, water-lain sediments, rockfall debris, fine-grained sediments, slope deposits, and soil horizon) as evidence of natural activity spanning tens of thousands of years. However, this assumption is not fully justified without comparative studies from other known Neolithic quarries or natural sites, which could clarify whether human modification is distinguishable. This overlooks the possibility that humans could have interacted with or modified natural features, as suggested by Craig Rhos-y-felin: a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge, which reports evidence of Neolithic activity.
- Dismissal of Human Transport: The paper assumes that large stones, like the 8-tonne "proto-orthostat," could not have been transported to Stonehenge due to their size and fragility, dating it to the Bronze Age rather than Neolithic. This assumption might overlook potential Neolithic transportation methods, such as using rollers or water routes, and does not account for the selection of smaller, more manageable stones, as noted in The location of Craig Rhosyfelin, which mentions possible transport down the adjacent river bed.
- Interpretation of Archaeological Features: The authors interpret structures like props, pillars, stone rails, scratched surfaces, haulage pathways, storage platforms, and revetments as natural or artifacts of excavation, suggesting archaeologists may have "unconsciously fashioned" some evidence. This assumption undermines the objectivity of their critique, as it does not fully consider alternative archaeological explanations, especially given the site’s complex history of human occupation, as mentioned in Craig Rhosyfelin (Ancient Mine / Quarry), which reports flint tools and charcoal found around the site.
These assumptions highlight a gap between the authors’ geological focus and the archaeological consensus, which leans toward human agency based on recent excavations and dating.
Evaluation of References
The paper includes an extensive bibliography, with over 50 references covering geological, archaeological, and local studies, indicating broad engagement:
- Strengths: Citations include independent geological works (e.g., Bevins and Ixer, 2011, for geochemical analysis) and archaeological studies (e.g., Parker Pearson et al., 2015, for quarry claims). For example, Bevins and Ixer’s work is referenced to acknowledge the provenancing of rhyolite fragments, showing engagement with diverse sources.
- Weaknesses: Some claims lack specific citations, particularly when critiquing radiocarbon dating or quarry features, which is a significant omission given their importance. For instance, the paper dismisses direct dating for bluestone extraction without referencing specific studies, weakening its argument. This selective use is evident when it cites critiques aligning with skepticism but does not engage with counterarguments, such as Craig Rhos-y-felin: a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge, which provides dating evidence for Neolithic activity.
- Self-Citation: The authors cite their own works (e.g., John, 2012; John et al., 2014) and collaborations, which is appropriate given their expertise but could be seen as self-referential, especially when supporting natural processes (~10 citations, ~15% of total).
A table summarizing the distribution of references by author type is provided below:
| Author Type | Number of Citations | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Researchers | ~45 | Bevins and Ixer (2011), Parker Pearson et al. (2015) |
| Author Self-Citations | ~10 | John (2012), John et al. (2014) |
| Collaborative Works | ~5 | John, Elis-Gruffydd & Downes (2015) |
This table shows that while self-citation exists, it is not excessive, but the selective use of independent research to support their view is a notable weakness, particularly in not addressing counter-evidence like dating evidence from Craig Rhos-y-felin: a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge.
Detailed Analysis of Logic
The paper follows a logical progression to dismantle the Craig Rhosyfelin quarry hypothesis:
- Introduction sets the context and hypothesis being challenged.
- Geological and geomorphological context reviews natural processes affecting the site.
- Detailed examination of alleged quarry features argues against human modification.
- Lack of archaeological evidence section critiques the absence of artifacts.
- Alternative interpretation section presents natural processes as the explanation.
- Conclusions summarize the lack of evidence for quarrying.
However, there are logical gaps:
- Ad Hominem Critiques: The authors accuse archaeologists of bias and over-enthusiasm, suggesting they "unconsciously fashioned" evidence, which is an attack on credibility rather than evidence. For example, they critique Parker Pearson’s team for expecting to find quarrying, as seen in Craig Rhos-y-felin is NOT shown to be a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge, which aligns with their skepticism.
- Overemphasis on Absence: They argue absence of clear artifacts (e.g., tools, debris) disproves quarrying but do not consider incomplete excavation or decay over time. For instance, they dismiss the proto-orthostat’s relevance without addressing potential Neolithic selection, a point raised in Craig Rhosyfelin (Ancient Mine / Quarry), which reports tools and charcoal.
- Natural Processes as Default: They present natural processes as self-evident without addressing how humans could have interacted with these features, leaving a logical gap, especially when compared to Craig Rhos-y-felin: a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge, which provides evidence of Neolithic activity.
- Lack of Engagement with Counter-Evidence: They do not fully address counter-evidence like radiocarbon dates or geochemical matches, which support human quarrying, as detailed in The Stonehenge Bluestone Quarry at Craig Rhosyfelin, mentioning possible Neolithic quarrying floors.
These logical gaps suggest that while the critique is structured, it does not fully engage with the breadth of evidence supporting human agency, as seen in recent studies.
Implications and Recommendations
The findings have implications for understanding Stonehenge’s origins:
- Geochemical Evidence: John’s questioning of links between Craig Rhosyfelin and Stonehenge does not address Bevins and Ixer’s findings, which support human selection rather than natural scatter, highlighting a need for more integrated analysis, as noted in [Geochemical provenancing of Stonehenge’s rhyolite bluestones to source].
- Archaeological Evidence: His critique of absence of artifacts is weak without considering decay or incomplete excavation, especially given Parker Pearson’s findings, suggesting further excavation could clarify, as mentioned in Craig Rhosyfelin (Ancient Mine / Quarry).
- Natural Evidence: His reliance on natural processes is insufficient without explaining selective human interaction, a gap highlighted by recent research favoring human agency, as noted in Craig Rhos-y-felin: a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge.
- Interpretative Critique: While valid to question bias, his ad hominem tone detracts from academic rigor, especially when compared to detailed fieldwork, as reported in The location of Craig Rhosyfelin.
To enhance the paper’s rigor, John could:
- Provide specific geological evidence supporting natural origin over human modification.
- Include comparative studies of natural formations to strengthen claims about Craig Rhosyfelin’s features.
- Acknowledge and address counterarguments, particularly geochemical matches and dating evidence, to present a balanced view.
- Reduce rhetorical language when critiquing other researchers to maintain academic tone.
Conclusion
John’s paper offers a critique of the Craig Rhosyfelin quarry hypothesis, supported by geological and geomorphological observations, with a broad range of references. However, it contains unjustified assumptions (e.g., natural origin, dismissal of human transport), selective referencing (e.g., lack of counters to geochemical data), and logical gaps (e.g., ad hominem critiques, overemphasis on absence). These weaknesses suggest areas for improvement, particularly in addressing recent research supporting human quarrying, to strengthen its contribution to the ongoing debate about Stonehenge’s bluestones, as evidenced by Craig Rhos-y-felin: a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge.
This analysis underscores the complexity of the debate, with John’s paper representing a minority view that challenges the consensus but does not fully address counter-evidence, as seen in recent studies like The Stonehenge Bluestone Quarry at Craig Rhosyfelin and Craig Rhosyfelin (Ancient Mine / Quarry).
Key Citations
- Observations on the Supposed ‘Neolithic Bluestone Quarry’ at Craig Rhosyfelin, Pembrokeshire
- Craig Rhos-y-felin: a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge
- Craig Rhos-y-felin is NOT shown to be a Welsh bluestone megalith quarry for Stonehenge
- The Stonehenge Bluestone Quarry at Craig Rhosyfelin
- Craig Rhosyfelin (Ancient Mine / Quarry)
- The location of Craig Rhosyfelin, on the west side of the Brynberian Valley
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