Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world, located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) west of Amesbury and 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of Salisbury. Here is an in-depth look at this iconic site:
History and Construction
- Timeline: The construction of Stonehenge occurred in several stages from around 3000 to 2000 BC, during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age.
- Phases of Construction:
- Phase 1: Around 3000 BC, a circular ditch was dug with an inner and outer bank, creating what is known as the Henge. This enclosed an area approximately 110 meters in diameter.
- Phase 2: About 500 years later, the bluestones, which are thought to have been transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, were erected.
- Phase 3: Between 2500 and 2000 BC, the larger sarsen stones were erected in a horseshoe arrangement, with the bluestones repositioned within this setting.
- Materials:
- Sarsen Stones: These are the larger stones, weighing up to 50 tons each. They are believed to have been sourced from Marlborough Downs, about 20 miles north of Stonehenge.
- Bluestones: Smaller stones, weighing about 4 tons, from the Preseli Hills, which is approximately 200 miles away in Wales.
Purpose and Theories
The purpose of Stonehenge remains one of archaeology's most enduring mysteries:
- Astronomical Observatory: Some believe it was aligned with the Solstices, particularly the Summer Solstice, indicating its use in tracking the movements of the sun or other celestial bodies.
- Religious or Ceremonial Site: It might have served as a place for ancient rituals, possibly related to the dead or as a site for ancestor worship.
- Burial Ground: Excavations have uncovered cremated human remains, suggesting it could have been a cemetery.
- Healing Center: Recent theories suggest it might have been a place where people came for healing, with the bluestones possessing supposed curative properties.
Modern Significance
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Stonehenge was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
- Tourism: It attracts over a million visitors annually, with special events like the Summer Solstice celebration drawing thousands.
- Research: Ongoing archaeological and scientific research continues to shed light on its construction, purpose, and cultural context.
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