An analogue of Stonehenge was found in the Netherlands: it is 4,500 years old

In the Netherlands, archaeologists have discovered a 4,500-year-old sanctuary whose earthen mounds were leveled during

solstice. And like Stonehenge, the sanctuary was also used for burials and rituals.

According to the researchers, in the largest of the threemounds found the remains of men, women and children who died between 2500 BC. and 1200 B.C. Scientists also discovered ancient burials surrounding the sanctuary. Some people were buried, while others were cremated. Experts believe that the dead may have played an important role in the rituals of ancient people.

Although there are no stone boulders in the sanctuary, as inStonehenge, it seems that the largest mound served as a calendar. He helped people to mark the movements of the Sun. Precious artifacts such as a bronze spear were buried where the sun's rays fell to the ground through holes in special pillars.

Read more:

A quasi-moon was found near the Earth: it has been traveling with our planet for more than 2,000 years

Researchers have shown what Pharaoh Tutankhamun looked like

Physicists first took x-rays of a single atom

Cover photo: An artist's interpretation of a sanctuary for rituals in what is now the Netherlands. Image credit: Illustration by Alexander van de Bunt; Tiel municipality