Traditionally thought of as a primeval calendar and place of prayer and worship, Stonehenge appears to have also been a place for healing, according to a recent archaeological research, led by top archeology Professors Tim Darvill and Geoff Wainwright.

The dig led the scientists to an ancient burial ground. Upon investigating the uncovered skeletons they came upon, it was revealed that they all had signs of severe injuries and a lower percentage showed distinguishable marks of illness.

The healing practices, apparently, involved ancient surgeries applied to the head of the ill, as some of the found skulls indicate. The state of some remains (especially the teeth) point out that many of the “patients” did not come from the surroundings of Stonehenge, but had indeed traveled a great distance to reach the ancient place of healing. This is also a sign that Stonehenge was not a well-kept secret, but quite the contrary, a famous location.

According to the two Professors, Stonehenge did not only attract the ill and the injured, but also early “doctors”, the ones with the power to heal.

Given that the renowned circle of bluestones were transported from South Wales, the archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was intended as a place of healing, and its purposes as place of worship and calendar were merely secondary, reports BBC News.

And as if these findings didn’t astonish enough, Tim Darvill and Geoff Wainwright estimate that Stonehenge might be accurately dated in the months to come.