Stonehenge is an ancient monument located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. It is a circle of standing stones that was built by our ancestors over many hundreds of years, starting around 5,000 years ago in the late Neolithic Age. The construction of Stonehenge took place in four stages and was completed around 1,500 BC in the early Bronze Age .
Purpose and Structure of Stonehenge
The purpose of Stonehenge remains a subject of debate and speculation. While it is well-studied and researchers agree that it functioned as a burial site, many other aspects of Stonehenge’s significance remain elusive. Some theories suggest that it had religious, ceremonial, astronomical, and therapeutic purposes .
If you visit Stonehenge today, you will see many of the enormous stones still standing strong in a circular arrangement. The structure of Stonehenge is a remarkable feat of engineering, with the stones carefully arranged in a specific pattern. The stones used in its construction are believed to have been transported from quarries located several miles away .
The Mysteries of Stonehenge
Stonehenge has fascinated people for centuries, and numerous mysteries surround this ancient monument. Some of the key mysteries include:
Who built Stonehenge and why? The identity of the builders of Stonehenge remains unknown. The ancient Britons who constructed it left no written record, adding to the mystery. Various theories suggest that it was built by different groups of people for different purposes, such as religious rituals, astronomical observations, or as a symbol of power and authority .
How was Stonehenge constructed? The construction techniques used to build Stonehenge are still not fully understood. The transportation and placement of the massive stones, some weighing several tons, is a remarkable engineering achievement. Theories propose the use of sledges, rollers, and possibly even water transport to move the stones .
The significance of the alignment and design. Stonehenge is aligned with the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, leading to speculation about its astronomical significance. The precise alignment and design of Stonehenge suggest a deep understanding of celestial movements and their connection to the cycles of life and death .
The purpose of the surrounding landscape. Stonehenge is not an isolated monument but is part of a larger landscape that includes other ancient features, such as burial mounds and earthworks. The relationship between Stonehenge and its surrounding landscape is still not fully understood, and it is believed that further archaeological research may reveal more about its purpose and significance .
Recent Discoveries and Research
Ongoing research and discoveries continue to shed light on the mysteries of Stonehenge. For example, the Stonehenge Riverside Project, led by Sheffield University’s Mike Parker Pearson, has uncovered evidence suggesting that Stonehenge was a center for ancestor worship linked by the River Avon and two ceremonial avenues to a matching wooden circle .
In addition, recent scientific studies have used advanced techniques to analyze the stones and the surrounding landscape, providing new insights into the construction methods and the significance of Stonehenge.