Neolithic henge discovered in England

Archaeologists unearthed remains of a 4000-year-old henge structure in Newbold-on-Stour, in Warwickshire County, England. The boundary of the henge contained five well-preserved human burials.

Archaeologists by the henge (by Archaeology Warwickshire)

The structure was discovered during excavations conducted prior to construction of houses. Geophysical research prior to the excavations revealed that there could be a henge at this site. Researchers have unearthed a simple monument that consists of a circular ditch dug in segments and an embankment created from that dug-out soil. They also found five bodies buried within the ditch.

Burials within the henge (by Archaeology Warwickshire)

Archaeologists believe that the structure dates to the Late Neolithic, around 2000 BC. It is also possible that the graves came much later than the original earthwork; perhaps the henge was chosen as a good burial spot because it was an important monument in the landscape for a long time. Experts believe that the arrangement of the burials is deliberate. The three middle burials face west out from the henge. And there are two burials on the outer part of the monument that face east, into the henge. The skeletons are rather complete and are scheduled to undergo further analysis.

Details of a burial (by Archaeology Warwickshire)

(after Archaeology Warwickshire, Live Science & Leamington Observer)

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