New Theory Says Stonehenge Was Originally A Graveyard

Stonehenge is one of the oldest examples of human engineering and architecture. Theories go that the prehistoric monument may have been a temple, a calendar, a ritual site, or even a healing locale. A new theory says that Stonehenge may have once been burial grounds for men, women, and even children.

A study led by archaeologist Professor Mike Parker Pearson and his team took a look at over 50,000 bone fragments belonging to at least 63 sets of remains, and currently believes that Stonehenge was a giant graveyard for a period of at least 200 years, with the first smaller stones brought to the location around 3000 B.C. Acording to The Guardian, the study was able to be conducted after remains were located and the bones were dated in one of the Aubrey holes—or a pit from an early era of Stonehenge, before some of the bigger stone pieces were set.

The findings have led some scientists to believe that Stonehenge may actually be the location of hundreds of other gravesites spanning across many years. If this is true, subsequent excavation could bring a lot of historical answers to the forefront. In fact archaeologist Mike Pitts, who studied some of the remains, agrees that there is probably more to find.

Bones have been found in pits since the 1920s, way back when archaeologists would rebury the bones, finding them unimportant. Further excavations could yield answers to a site that still offers plenty of mystery.