Archaeologists excavating a site near Prague have discovered a series of massive concentric enclosures, or 'roundels,' dating back to approximately 5000 BCE. The structures, which predate Stonehenge by millennia, contain high concentrations of animal bone fragments and charred remains of prehistoric grains, suggesting they were the site of large-scale communal banquets. The alignment of the entrances with the rising sun during the spring equinox points to a sophisticated understanding of celestial cycles by early farming communities.
Analysis of the pottery shards found within the circles reveals residues of fermented beverages, hinting at the ceremonial consumption of early ales. This discovery suggests that the practice of seasonal gatherings to mark the beginning of the planting season was a central pillar of social cohesion in Neolithic Europe. Researchers believe these 'feasting circles' served as both religious centers and neutral ground for disparate clans to trade and forge alliances during the turn of the seasons.