[elcid1970]

Geez....I suppose the writer meant that the stones are thought to have been shaped & emplaced by humans perhaps 4,000 years ago, but coherence in writing is a dying art.

[ClearCase_guy]

Note that I could say the Grand Canyon is over 4000 years old -- the statement would be true, but seen as oddly understated. It would probably get someone branded as a Young Earth Creationist, even though "over 4000" could also include "200 million years old".

Once upon a time, professional writers knew how to write. Today, they just know how to play along with the correct agenda (which isn't required in every story, but it is the skill which is valued in their career, over and above being a good writer).