Stonehenge is probably older than previously thought

London - New findings from research at Britain's Stonehenge suggest that the mysterious stones were transported and erected 3000 years BC, nearly 500 years earlier than previously thought. According to British scientists, it is now also clearer that the site primarily served as a burial ground, reported the BBC news station.
Seventeen upright stone blocks, the heaviest weighing up to 45 tons, connected by six lintels, are oriented towards the sunrise on the day of the summer solstice. Among the most popular theories about the purpose of the structure are those that designate Stonehenge either as a prehistoric observatory or as a temple dedicated to the sun. Recently, a theory has emerged that disabled people visited the site, believing that the stones had healing powers.
Stonehenge continues to attract people today. During this year's summer solstice celebration, around 30,000 people gathered there. Approximately 850,000 tourists visit this monument annually. In 1986, this stone circle in the southern English county of Wiltshire was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The construction consists of stone monoliths standing three to six meters high.