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Archeologists Find Mini-Stonehenge

'Bluehenge' is a mile away, but all the rocks are gone

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 3, 2009 12:17 PM CDT

(Newser) – Archeologists have found what amounts to Stonehenge-lite located about a mile from the larger monument. This one—dubbed Bluehenge—probably won't be as much of a tourist draw for one important reason: all the rocks are gone. But based on holes in the earth, scientists say 27 enormous rocks once formed a circle, likely as a miniature version of Stonehenge. Remaining flecks indicate the stones had a similar blue hue, reports the BBC.

The find is "very important because it forms part of the picture of ceremonial monuments in the area," one scholar tells the Daily Mail. 'It's no longer Stonehenge standing alone, but it has to be seen in context with the landscape." Both sites probably went up about 5,000 years ago and stood together for centuries. Then Bluehenge got dismantled, possibly so the stones could be used to enlarge Stonehenge. The smaller site lies at the end of the so-called avenue that connects Stonehenge to the Avon River.

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People gather to celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge in June. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)

The summer solstice at Stonehenge, in June. (Getty Images)

Revelers at Stonehenge. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori)

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We thought we knew it all, but over the last few years we have discovered that something as familiar as Stonehenge is still a challenge to explore and understand. It wouldn't surprise me if there weren't more circles. - Tim Darvill, Bournemouth University

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Archeologists Find Mini-Stonehenge