The massive structure of rocks that is Stonehenge has puzzled historians and scientists for centuries, but it appears that the mystery may have finally been solved. Archaeologists now have new evidence which suggests that the monument was built as a cemetery for influential Britons in the Stone Age. It may have even been the burial grounds a prehistoric, long-forgotten royal family.

The latest findings and speculations come from the first radiocarbon dating of charred human teeth and bones that were found at Stonehenge during the 1950s. According to the results of the tests, the bones were buried around 3000 BC, which was when Stonehenge was being built.

A team of archaeologists led by Mike Parker Pearson of Sheffield University are now arguing that Stonehenge was a temple of the dead, and used as a cemetery for at least 500 years.

The mystery of Stonehenge has perplexed the world now for thousands of years. Over the centuries, some have said that the monument was a giant calendar or observatory. Others have suggested that it was a temple of healing or a cathedral to long forgotten gods.

Throughout the years, the remains of 52 human burials have been found in the ditch that surrounds the stones at Stonehenge. Many were dug up in the 1920's and reburied, however three were removed in the 1950s and are now kept at the nearby Salisbury Museum.

Professor Pearson conducted the radiocarbon testing on the three sets of remains housed at the museum. The first set of bones date between 3030 and 2880 BC, which is when the ditch was being built. The second set of bones were from a man and date 2930 to 2870 BC. And then the third set of remains are from a woman in her mid-20s which date to 2570 to 2340BC.

Results of the radiocarbon testing have disproved the theory of scientists who believed that the bones were much more recent and buried at the site hundreds of years after its creation.

Pearson believes that up to 240 people may be buried within Stonehenge. If you're interested in learning more about his study, it is currently being featured in the June issue of National Geographic Magazine.

More details about Stonehenge should surface later this year. Archaeologists have been working on the inner circle for the past few months to get the most accurate date of when the first stone circle was built.

Later this year, the monument will reveal more secrets. Archaeologists have been working on the inner circle in the last few months to get the most accurate date yet as to when the first stone circle was built.

The latest findings at Stonehenge are a result of the work of Prof. Pearson and his work with a collaboration known as the Stonehenge Riverside Project, a group of five UK universities with funding by the National Geographic Society, the Arts & Humanities Research Council, and support from English Heritage.