Was Stonehenge a health resort?

• Tuesday, 23 December 2008
• Ben Sneath
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Stonehenge

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Our most famous prehistoric, mystical site could have been a health resort where people travelled from all over Europe to cure themselves of illnesses.

The focus of this study has been the bluestones that surround the main circle of Sarsen stones. It is claimed that they’ve been chipped away by visitors who took pieces away as lucky amulets. The bluestones were transported in 2300BC from west Wales and because of this are believed to hold great powers.

Professors Darvill and Wainwright believe that Stonehenge was a centre of healing like a ‘Neolithic Lourdes’. Comparing it to the French town where local waters are famed for healing Catholic pilgrims.

More evidence for this new theory is that many of the prehistoric corpses found in the area have physical injuries, and some of the artefacts nearby suggest they have travelled from Europe.

It just goes to show how advanced prehistoric people terms of their beliefs, communication and ability to travel around.