Archaeologists have discovered a wide circle of deep pits surrounding an ancient settlement near Stonehenge, opening up new lines of investigation into the origins and meaning of the mysterious, prehistoric monument.
Key points:
- The circle of pits is larger than any prehistoric monument in Britain
- Researchers have found 20 shafts, but there may have been more than 30
- Each one is about 5 metres deep and 10 metres across
Among Britain’s most recognisable landmarks, the standing stones at Stonehenge draw tourists from around the world as well as people searching for spiritual connections with the past.
Their exact purpose remains unknown to scientists.
The new discovery, by a team of archaeologists from several universities, shows a 2-kilometre-wide circle of shafts surrounding a settlement at Durrington Walls, which also includ