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Stonehenge Riddle Solved?

Bluestones may prove site was a healing temple

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted May 4, 2008 3:48 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A British team has excavated Stonehenge in hope of showing it was once a temple used for healing, the Los Angeles Times reports. Archaeologists focused on the site's 4,000-year-old bluestones, a twin circle of huge rocks, for proof of their origins and purpose. Shamans and witch doctors once likely filled the site, researcher Tim Darvill said, along with "all the sorts of people who in prehistoric terms would look after those who were ill."

Some experts say that Stonehenge was a monument to the dead. But "you could put 10 archaeologists in a room and you'd get at least 11 theories," one said. This dig—the first in more than 40 years—is using radiocarbon dating to prove when the stones arrived and transformed the site from what Darvill called "a fairly standard henge to a temple of really European renown."

Drummers play at Stonehenge after thousands waited in vain for the Summer Solstice sunrise, Thursday June 21, 2007, as the sun was obscured by clouds.
Drummers play at Stonehenge after thousands waited in vain for the Summer Solstice sunrise, Thursday June 21, 2007, as the sun was obscured by clouds.   (Associated Press)
Archaeology students sieve through earth amongst the stones at Stonehenge, England, Monday, March 31, 2008.
Archaeology students sieve through earth amongst the stones at Stonehenge, England, Monday, March 31, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Archaeologists begin an excavation inside the stone circle of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, Monday March 31, 2008.
Archaeologists begin an excavation inside the stone circle of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, Monday March 31, 2008.   (Associated Press)
An archaeology student works at Stonehenge in Amesbury, England, Monday March 31, 2008.
An archaeology student works at Stonehenge in Amesbury, England, Monday March 31, 2008.   (Associated Press)
Archaeology students Steve Bush sieve through earth amongst the stones at Stonehenge, England, Monday, March 31, 2008.
Archaeology students Steve Bush sieve through earth amongst the stones at Stonehenge, England, Monday, March 31, 2008.   (Associated Press)
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The UK temple that predates Stonehenge by 7,000 years
Guardian (UK)

More on Stonehenge's bluestones
CTV

 
archaeology • Stonehenge • prehistoric • excavation • ceremony • temple • bluestone

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