Stonehenge Part of Vast Religious Complex

Until now, archeologists had thought Stonehenge was actively used for burials for only about a century. The carbon dating techniques used on burnt remains have only been practical for a few years.

(©2008 Ken Geiger/National Geographic)
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Parker Pearson's work was funded in part by National Geographic, which has put Stonehenge on the cover of its current issue, and is running a special on its cable channel. ABC News has a content partnership with National Geographic.

There are other archeologists who disagree with Parker Pearson's theory. Some of them suggest Stonehenge, with its blue stones dragged overland from miles away, may instead have had something to do with healing.

"I don't see much evidence of that," said Parker Pearson. He says not many of the burnt bones show signs of primitive attempts at curing illnesses. "Healing may have been a part of it, but a small one."

"But it's possible for competing theories both to be true," said Thomas, his colleague. "We archeologists love a good debate."