In the Netherlands, discovered a mysterious religious building, which is about 4,000 years old (6 photos)

Now the Dutch have something to answer the British: they have their own Stonehenge. Yes, and what.





In the Dutch city of Thiel, in the historical region Betuwe, part of the province of Gelderland, discovered an ancient sanctuary, which is a network of burial mounds and ditches. After discovery of several ancient finds at the site chosen by construction of an industrial park, archaeologists began work here back in 2016. But the gigantic open-air sanctuary, whose age according to preliminary calculations, is about 4 thousand years, found just now.



Filming an excavation site from a drone

In terms of area, it is about three standard football fields. The researchers suggest that this structure is sanctuary of the solar calendar. They were led to the conclusion by the fact that the passages between the pillars are arranged in such a way that the heavenly body passed through them at the solstice.





Stonehenge of the Netherlands, as the find was informally called, it is not only a place of worship, but also an opportunity to learn about life people who buried their dead here and held religious rituals, and celebrated important events for the community.

Three huge mounds are lined with wooden poles, where there are graves of about 60 people. The age of the burials last 800 years.



Construction through the eyes of a contemporary artist

This analogue of Stonehenge opens up limitless possibilities for scientists. perspectives. Indeed, in the area of u200bu200bthe sanctuary, a huge number of objects - bone remains, clay shards, elements of weapons and jewelry.



The objects of close interest were those found on one from the graves, a bronze spearhead and a green glass bead. The latest find proves the connection between the locals and the people who lived on the territory of modern Iraq, then Mesopotamia (and this distance about 5,000 kilometers). Since the glass in this area is period of time was not yet known material.



Flippier Museum in Thiel

The exposition of the finds is exhibited in the museum of the city, where everyone will be able to admire the antiquities until the end of October.