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
Dispatch from Stonehenge, Day 10
April 9: Archaeology in a Fishbowl
Dispatch from Stonehenge, Day 9
April 8: The Clock is Ticking
Dispatch from Stonehenge, Day 2
April 1st: An Ill Wind Blows
Dispatch from Stonehenge, Day 1
March 31st: The Excavation Begins
Learn more about Stonehenge
Mystery Man of Stonehenge
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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
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Photo Gallery
Stonehenge Slideshow
Explore photos of Great Britain's prehistoric site
FROM THE SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL
Unlocking the Secrets of Stonehenge
Ongoing coverage of this historic excavation—including video clips
FROM THE SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL
Lost in the Preseli Hills
David Royle's blog on the dig at Stonehenge