Stonehenge: Unveiling its Potential Role as an Ancient Healing Center and Burial Ground

Recent archaeological findings suggest Stonehenge may have served as an ancient healing center, attracting individuals from distant regions seeking therapeutic rituals. Evidence from nearby burial sites reveals skeletons with signs of severe injuries and illnesses. Analysis of teeth recovered from graves indicates that approximately half of the corpses belonged to people who were not native to the Stonehenge area.

Archaeologists Geoffrey Wainwright and Timothy Darvill proposed that Stonehenge was a prehistoric Lourdes, a healing center where the sick and injured traveled from far and wide. They based this theory on the content of graves and fragments of bluestones carved into amulets. An unusual number of skeletons recovered from the area showed signs of serious disease or injury.

The inner circle of Stonehenge features bluestones, geologically identified as spotted dolerite, sourced from the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire, Wales, over 200 kilometers away. These stones were deliberately placed in the central area, potentially for rituals or healing practices. Some believe that the bluestones held the key to Stonehenge's significance as a healing center.

However, it's important to note that Stonehenge was also likely used as a burial ground. Excavations have revealed that the monument had been used as a large cemetery from around 3000 BCE onwards for the next 300-600 years. Analysis of cremated remains suggests that some of the individuals buried there originated from southwest Wales, near the source of the bluestones.

While the exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a subject of debate, the evidence suggests that it may have been a multifaceted site, serving as both a healing center and a burial ground. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex history and significance of this iconic monument.