LONDON – Scientists scouring the area around Stonehenge said Thursday they have uncovered the foundations of a second circular structure only a few hundred meters (yards) from the world famous monument.
Like Stonehenge itself, the structure's precise purpose remains a mystery. But it's one of an expanding number of discoveries being made around the site — something experts say is helping to show that Stonehenge was once much more than just a cluster of sandstone blocks standing in an empty field.
"In its day Stonehenge was at the center of the largest ceremonial center in Europe," said archaeologist Tim Darvill, who helped lead a recent excavation at Stonehenge but wasn't involved with this find. He said the discovery "really shows how much there is still to learn and how extensive the site really was."
The foundations — a ring of holes surrounding a cluster of deep pits — are facing Stonehenge from about 900 meters (985 yards) away, according to a ground mapping project led by University of Birmingham archaeology professor Vince Gaffney.
more Another ceremonial monument found near Stonehenge - Yahoo! News
Like Stonehenge itself, the structure's precise purpose remains a mystery. But it's one of an expanding number of discoveries being made around the site — something experts say is helping to show that Stonehenge was once much more than just a cluster of sandstone blocks standing in an empty field.
"In its day Stonehenge was at the center of the largest ceremonial center in Europe," said archaeologist Tim Darvill, who helped lead a recent excavation at Stonehenge but wasn't involved with this find. He said the discovery "really shows how much there is still to learn and how extensive the site really was."
The foundations — a ring of holes surrounding a cluster of deep pits — are facing Stonehenge from about 900 meters (985 yards) away, according to a ground mapping project led by University of Birmingham archaeology professor Vince Gaffney.
more Another ceremonial monument found near Stonehenge - Yahoo! News