The mystery of Stonehenge may be solved

by amyjudd | April 9, 2008 at 09:27 pm | 2228 views | 7 comments

Archaeologists say they may have discovered a layer underneath ancient Stonehenge that may explain why the site was built.
If this is true, it will be one of the greatest mysteries ever solved.

The team has reached sockets that once held bluestones - smaller stones, most now missing or uprooted, which formed the site's original structure.

The researchers believe that the bluestones could reveal that Stonehenge was once a place of healing.

The dig is the first to take place at Stonehenge for more than 40 years.

The team now needs to extract organic material from these holes to date when the stones first arrived.

Professor Geoff Wainwright explains why the dig is taking place

Professor Tim Darvill, of Bournemouth University, who is leading the work with Professor Geoff Wainwright, president of the Society of Antiquaries, said: "The first week has gone really well. We have broken through to these key features.

"It is a slow process but at the moment everything is going exactly to plan."

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Rhonda J Mangus

at 21:52 on April 9th, 2008

good stuff:

amyjudd, a very interesting read and video. Just a thought: Stonehenge's purpose could be similar to the "towers of silence" in India where devout Zorastrians, descendents of Persian Refugees, leave bodies out for vultures rather than cremate or bury their deceased (this practice is however dying). "GS" and best!

amyjudd

at 21:57 on April 9th, 2008

That would be interesting if it was found to have been built for a reason like that! I'm sure it was built for some kind of sacrificial purpose, although I like the idea that we don't know the real reason of Stonehenge, and I think that if the mystery is solved, it will take some magic out of visiting the ancient site. I know when I went there the mystery of it is what made the site fascinating to me.

Thanks for the flag!

Rhonda J Mangus

at 22:34 on April 9th, 2008

Amy - you are very welcome! I have never been to Stonehenge. However, knowing of Stonehenge and viewing the recent photographs and video tells me it is awe-inspiring and that it is a mystery.

Barry Artiste

at 22:45 on April 9th, 2008

good stuff:

amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff. Interesting story Amy, can't wait for the conclusion to be featured in my Nat Geographic

Babel-Fish

at 22:57 on April 9th, 2008

Having once lived near Stonehenge whilst stationed in Bulford as a young soldier, this story makes me a bit home sick now I live so far away.

The Druids are thought to have built Stonehenge and it has a directional relationship to the sun, moon and heavenly bodies. The fact that as yet no bodies have been dug up from nearby to suggest was a sacrificial site, seemily leads to the idea of a healing place.

The actual samples from the dig will I am sure give evidence to the sites real use, the dig is of course a good idea

amyjudd

at 23:06 on April 9th, 2008

I like the idea of a healing place, rather than a sacrificial place!

Aylett

at 19:28 on April 24th, 2008

I addition to the recent excavations a new book to be published in May 2008 by Thames and Hudson will shake out a few of the modern Stonehenge myths, see:

http://www.sarsen56.wordpress.com for details