Giant tombstones may be Stonehenge

William Atkins
Saturday, 31 May 2008 01:53

Science - Biology

New seven-year investigative study by UK archaeologists concludes that Stonehenge was a cemetery, basing their conclusions on radiocarbon dating of human remains from the ancient site.

The purpose of prehistoric Stonehenge, according to scientists and others, has ranged from a burial ground, healing site, astronomical observatory, to Moon worshipping temple, and even as an alien UFO landing spot.

However, a new study by UK archaeologists--led by Mike Parker-Pearson, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom--have used radiocarbon dating, for the very first time, to analyze human cremations excavated from the site.

Parker-Pearson is in charge of the Stonehenge Riverside Project, which is supported by the National Geographic Society's Committee for Research and Exploration.

From their scientific analysis of the human remains, the Parker-Pearson team suggests that Stonehenge was used as a cemetery for five hundred years, beginning from its earliest recorded construction around 3000 B.C.—about 5,000 years ago.

Parker-Pearson states, “It is clear that the burials were a major component of Stonehenge in all its main stages. This was a cemetery which grew over many centuries." [New Scientist: “Human remains explain Stonehenge mystery” (subscription required)]

He adds, "This is really exciting, because it shows that Stonehenge, from its beginning to its zenith, is being used as a place to physically put the remains of the dead.” [National Geographic: “Stonehenge Was Cemetery First and Foremost, Study Says”]

One of the theories of Stonehenge holds that it was only a cemetery later in its existence, and only for about one hundred years—possibly from 2800 B.C. to 2700 B.C.

However, the radiocarbon dating technique of three of fifty-two cremation burials, which were excavated in the 1920s, show clear indications that the burials were part of a cemetery.

Radiocarbon dating is a technique that uses the naturally occurring radioisotope called carbon-14 to determine the age of carbonaceous (rich in carbon) materials that are as old as 60,000 years.

The other forty-nine human remains were re-buried after it was found that they had inconsequential scientific value.

What did the analysis of the three human remains find? Please read on.