Scientists seek fresh chance to dig up Stonehenge's secrets
Stonehenge has always mystified. Julius Caesar thought it was the work of druids, medieval scholars believed it was the handiwork of Merlin, while local folk tales simply blamed the devil. Now scientists are demanding a full-scale research programme be launched to update our knowledge of the monument. 'Stonehenge has not been well served by archaeology,' admitted Dr David Miles, chief archaeology adviser to English Heritage. 'Much of the area was excavated in the 19th centur. 'Then they would ransack them, taking away the human remains and grave goods. It was Indiana Jones stuff. We need to get that material back.' 'It is over 50 years since substantial excavations have taken place at Stonehenge' the report notes. Crucially, science can now reveal rich details about prehistoric people from their remains. This is demonstrated by the 'Amesbury Archer', recently found in a 4,000-year-old grave, one of Europe's richest, near Stonehenge. He was surrounded by about 100 items. But his teeth provided the real surprise. Tests on their enamel showed the archer came from the Alps while the ornaments found in his grave were traced to Spain and France. This discovery suggests that metalworkers from the Continent had already begun to trade and work in tin, copper and other metals in Britain 4,000 years ago and may have played key roles in building Stonehenge.
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