Stonehenge was a cremation cemetery for over 500 years. The 56 Aubrey holes inside the original ditch held cremated remains from ~3000-2500 BC. A 1920s excavation found 45kg of human bone fragments. An intact cremation deposit near Aubrey hole 7 was dated to 3090-2900 BC. 💀🕯️
Aubrey Holes Reveal Stonehenge as Neolithic Cremation Cemetery
EnglandBioarchaeology
Site mentioned
Key facts
- A ring of 56 Aubrey holes existed inside the ditch, containing cremated human remains
- 1920s excavation by William Holly unearthed 59 cremations and 45kg of bone fragments from 34 Aubrey holes
- Cremated remains deposited from approximately 3000 to 2500 BC over 500 years
- Burials included men, women, children, and adults, some local and some from West Britain
- Total burial estimate was 240 individuals, though later discoveries suggest undercounting
- A 2022 excavation found an intact cremation deposit adjacent to Aubrey hole 7 dated 3090-2900 BC
- Latest cremation dated between 2570-2340 BC
- Stonehenge served as a cremation cemetery for over 500 years
- Old post holes found inside the hench suggest timber structures
Sources
english-heritage.org.uk
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