Excavation at Stonehenge
For the first time in nearly 45 years, an archaeological dig is being conducted at Stonehenge's "Double Bluestone Circle," the first stone structure that was built on the ancient site.
The excavation—which will last from March 31 to April 11—is being led by two renowned Stonehenge academics: Professor Tim Darvill of University of Bournemouth and Professor Geoffrey Wainwright, President of the Society of Antiquaries. Darvill and Wainright speculate that Stonehenge was a center for healing and not a place for the dead, as many previous scholars have believed.
Return to this site during the next two weeks to read updated dispatches from Stonehenge.
Dispatch from Stonehenge
Dispatch from Stonehenge, Day 14
April 13: The Druids Bless Our Departure
By Dan Jones
Dispatch from Stonehenge, Day 10
April 9: Archaeology in a Fishbowl
By Dan Jones
Dispatch from Stonehenge, Day 9
April 8: The Clock is Ticking
By Dan Jones
Dispatch from Stonehenge, Day 2
April 1st: An Ill Wind Blows
By Dan Jones
Dispatch from Stonehenge, Day 1
March 31st: The Excavation Begins
By Dan Jones
Learn more about Stonehenge
Mystery Man of Stonehenge
Who was he and where did he come from? And what was his role in the making of the great monument? The discovery of a 4,300-year-old skeleton surrounded by intriguing artifacts has archaeologists abuzz
By Richard Stone
Romancing the Stones
Who built the great megaliths and stone circles of Great Britain, and why? Researchers continue to puzzle and marvel over these age-old questions
By David Roberts
EXPLORE ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS
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Unlocking The Secrets of the Parthenon
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Keepers of the Lost Ark?
Christians in Ethiopia have long claimed to have the ark of the covenant. Our reporter investigated
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The Mystery of Easter Island
New findings rekindle old debates about when the first people arrived and why their civilization collapsed
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Digging up Egypt's Treasures
The ten most significant discoveries in the past 20 years
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Photo Gallery
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Stonehenge SlideshowExplore photos of Great Britain's prehistoric site |
FROM THE SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL
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Unlocking the Secrets of StonehengeOngoing coverage of this historic excavation—including video clips |
FROM THE SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL
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Blogging from StonehengeDavid Royle's blog on the dig at Stonehenge |
