An international team of scientists studying ancient cremated remains found at Stonehenge appear to have solved one mystery surrounding the famed monument. Previously difficult to study due to their poor condition, the remains were seen in a new light after researcher Christophe Snoeck discovered that cremated bones retained strontium isotopes that allow for scientists to determine where the individuals had lived in the past. This is done by comparing the ratio found in the bones with the known amount in the environment of various parts of the area.
In light of this groundbreaking new technique, scientists were provided access to skull fragments of 25 different people who had been buried at Stonehenge in the distant past and subsequently found in the 1920's. And, in a newly-published paper, they revealed that 10 of the individuals actually hailed from what is now Wales. Adding another intriguing layer to the research is that the time period in which the study found that the people had died is remarkably close to when it is believed that the Stonehenge pieces were extracted from a quarry in Wales.
As such, there seems to be a strong possibility that the Welsh remains were those of the people who had a hand in constructing the ancient monument. One of the lead scientists behind the study conceded to a British newspaper that, although they cannot outright prove the connection, "there must at least be a relationship." While may now have a better understanding of who built Stonehenge, the exact purpose of the monument will likely continue to be the subject of speculation and debate. Unless, of course, scientists develop some additional way of getting into the heads of the builders.