In Photos: Hidden Monuments Discovered Beneath Stonehenge

Stone circle

A close-up of a stone circle at Stonehenge.

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Geert Verhoeven)

Previously unknown archaeological monuments have been discovered around Stonehenge as part of the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project. The findings include new information about the world's largest "super henge," called Durrington Walls. Here, a close-up of a stone circle at Stonehenge, in England. [Read full story]

Monumental fieldwork

Geophysical prospection systems during fieldwork at Stonehenge.

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Geert Verhoeven)

Over the course of the 4-year survey, the team deployed a number of different non-invasive, geophysical prospecting tools to see what lies beneath the earth around Stonehenge. Project leader, Vincent Gaffney said these arrays are highly mobile. "We collected data up to 40 km/h (25 mph)," Gaffney said. [Read full story]

Mortuary building

3D reconstruction and visualization of timber uprights of the mortuary building of the long barrow (view from above; entrance area on the left). The post-hole structures that once contained the wooden posts are visible in the data of the geophysical surve

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Joachim Brandtner)

The results of the survey include 17 ritual monuments and dozens of burial mounds such as a long barrow consisting of a giant timber building that was likely used for a ritual for the dead and covered by an earthen mound. Here, 3D reconstruction and visualization of timber uprights of the mortuary building of the long barrow (view from above; entrance area on the left). The post-hole structures that once contained the wooden posts are visible in the data of the geophysical survey. [Read full story]

Satellite Shrines

Shrine Map

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Wolfgang Neubauer)

Red circles mark the spots where new monuments were discovered around Stonehenge. Researchers believe these archaeological features might have been satellite shrines involved in the processional and ritual activities at Stonehenge.

Stonehenge monuments

Magnetic data images of newly discovered monuments around Stonehenge.

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Mario Wallner)

The images obtained through ground sensing techniques revealed hengiforms, or earthworks that are typically circular and surrounded by a ditch. The researchers think these monuments would have been essentially small chapels or shrines around Stonehenge made from wood and stones, but all researchers can see today are the impressions left by this prehistoric architecture. [Read full story]

Hidden monuments

Magnetic data images of newly discovered monuments around Stonehenge.

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Mario Wallner)

Archaeologists have a general sense that these earthworks were created during the Neolithic era based on their form. But further study, and perhaps traditional digging, is likely needed to get detailed information about the age of these monuments and how they relate to Stonehenge's evolution. [Read full story]

Magnetic survey

LBI ArchPro's motorized magnetometer system at the Stonehenge survey.

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Geert Verhoeven)

LBI ArchPro's motorized magnetometer system at the Stonehenge survey.

Stonehenge swirl

Magnetic data image of a newly discovered monument around Stonehenge.

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Mario Wallner)

Images created with geophysical prospecting tools show that some of these smaller monuments had a concentric circle design, much like Stonehenge. [Read full story]

Magnetometer survey

LBI ArchPro's motorized magnetometer system at the Stonehenge survey.

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Geert Verhoeven)

LBI ArchPro's motorized magnetometer system at the Stonehenge survey.

Stonehenge long barrow

3D-reconstruction and visualization of the long barrow southwest of Durrington Walls (view towards the entrance from the northeast) just before the wooden mortuary building was completely covered by material excavated from ditches dug along the long sides

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Joachim Brandtner)

Here, 3D-reconstruction and visualization of the long barrow southwest of Durrington Walls (view towards the entrance from the northeast) just before the wooden mortuary building was completely covered by material excavated from ditches dug along the long sides of the construction.

Stonehenge measurements

Electromagnetic induction measurements at Stonehenge.

(Image credit: © LBI ArchPro, Geert Verhoeven)

Electromagnetic induction measurements at Stonehenge.

Live Science Staff
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