Archaeologists in the central Netherlands have unearthed a 4,000-year-old sanctuary that bears striking similarities to Stonehenge. The sanctuary, covering an area equivalent to at least three soccer fields, consists of ditches, burial mounds, and structures built with soil and wood. Like its famous counterpart in England, this Dutch sanctuary was designed to align with the sun during the solstices.
During the excavation, archaeologists made fascinating discoveries at specific points where sunlight pierced through the openings. Offerings were found, including animal skeletons, human skulls, and valuable artifacts like a bronze spearhead. These findings suggest that the sanctuary held great significance as a place for observing special days, conducting rituals, and burying the deceased. Rows of poles along pathways indicate that processions took place within the site.
In addition to these features, several graves were uncovered during the excavation in 2017. Among them was the burial of a woman adorned with a glass bead from Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). This bead, the oldest ever found in the Netherlands, provides evidence of contact between people in the region and those residing nearly 5,000 kilometers away.
Over the course of six years, archaeologists meticulously studied over a million excavated objects, spanning various historical periods from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. Following the completion of the excavation, the site was reburied to facilitate construction work. However, select discoveries will be exhibited in a local museum in Tiel as well as in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, allowing the public to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of this remarkable sanctuary.