Archaeology team unearths 'prototype' of world-famous Stonehenge monument just a few miles away
Archaeologists discovered a wooden structure in southern England near the prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge. The site may have served as a prototype for the Neolithic monument. Evidence suggests the ancient Britons used the site to track solstices.
What changed
New reports indicate the wooden structure may predate Stonehenge by 500 years.
Live updates
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Wooden Structure Found Near Stonehenge May Be Early Prototype
confidence 80%Archaeologists discovered a wooden structure in southern England near the prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge. The site may have served as a prototype for the Neolithic monument. Evidence suggests the ancient Britons used the site to track solstices.
What's confirmed:
- Archaeologists found a structure near Stonehenge in southern England that may have been a prototype for the monument.
- The site is located near the prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge.
Still unconfirmed:
- The wooden prototype predates the stone monument by 500 years.
- Two vanished posts suggest ancient Britons tracked solstices before Stonehenge rose.
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Archaeologists Discover Potential Stonehenge Prototype in Southern England
confidence 90%A team from Wessex Archaeology found a 5,000-year-old structure three miles from Stonehenge. The monument consists of wooden poles and appears to align with the solstice. Researchers suggest it may have served as an early prototype for the famous stone circle.
What's confirmed:
- Archaeologists discovered a structure in southern England three miles away from Stonehenge.
- The structure is 5,000 years old.
- The discovery predates Stonehenge by around 500 years.
- The monument is aligned with the solstice.
Still unconfirmed:
- The structure consisted of two wooden poles 120 meters apart.
- The find is a "once in a lifetime find".