Stonehenge: A Prehistoric Marvel of Ancient Britain
Featured in Lies, Damned Lies and History by Jodi Taylor
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Stonehenge, one of the most iconic and enigmatic monuments in the world, stands on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. This prehistoric stone circle has fascinated people for centuries, inspiring numerous theories about its purpose, construction, and the people who built it. Dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, Stonehenge is a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and creativity of ancient peoples. This History Briefing explores the history, construction, and significance of Stonehenge, offering insights into its enduring mystery.
Stonehenge was built over several stages, with its construction spanning from approximately 3000 BC to 2000 BC. This period marked significant changes in the lives of the people who inhabited what is now southern England, including the transition from a hunter-gatherer society to one that was more settled and engaged in farming.
The early stages of Stonehenge’s construction began around 3100 BC, during the late Neolithic period, with the establishment of a circular earthwork enclosure known as a henge. This henge consisted of a ditch and bank, and within this enclosure, timber posts or stones were likely erected, though their exact purpose remains unclear.
The construction of Stonehenge involved several distinct phases:
The Earthwork Enclosure (circa 3100 BC): The first phase of Stonehenge’s construction involved the creation of a large circular ditch, approximately 110 meters in diameter, with an internal bank. This early stage also included the placement of 56 pits, known as the Aubrey Holes, which may have originally held timber posts or stones.
The Arrival of the Bluestones (circa 2600 BC): The next significant phase saw the introduction of the first stones, known as bluestones, which were transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 150 miles away. These stones, weighing up to 4 tons each, were arranged in a double circle within the earthwork enclosure.
The Sarsen Circle and Trilithons (circa 2500 BC): The most famous phase of Stonehenge’s construction occurred around 2500 BC, when the massive sarsen stones were erected. These stones, some weighing as much as 25 tons, were likely quarried from the Marlborough Downs, about 20 miles away. The sarsens were arranged in an outer circle, with a continuous lintel ring atop the standing stones. Inside this circle, five massive trilithons (pairs of upright stones with a horizontal lintel) were arranged in a horseshoe shape.
Final Additions and Modifications (circa 2400-2000 BC): The final phase of Stonehenge’s construction involved the rearrangement of the bluestones within the sarsen circle and the addition of smaller stones and pits. This period also saw the alignment of the monument with the movements of the sun, particularly the solstices, suggesting a possible astronomical purpose.
The purpose of Stonehenge remains one of the most debated topics in archaeology. Several theories have been proposed over the years, each offering a different perspective on why this monumental structure was built:
Astronomical Observatory: One of the most popular theories is that Stonehenge was used as an astronomical observatory. The alignment of the stones with the summer and winter solstices suggests that the monument may have been used to track the movements of the sun and moon, possibly for ritualistic or calendrical purposes.
Religious or Ceremonial Site: Stonehenge may have served as a site for religious or ceremonial activities. The careful alignment with the solstices and the discovery of human remains and artifacts in and around the site suggest that it could have been a place of worship, pilgrimage, or burial.
Healing Center: Another theory posits that Stonehenge was a place of healing. The bluestones, which were transported from Wales, were believed to have mystical properties, and the site may have attracted people seeking cures for illnesses.
Social or Political Symbol: Stonehenge could also have been a symbol of power and unity. The effort required to construct such a monument would have necessitated the collaboration of a large community, reflecting a sophisticated and organized society.
The construction of Stonehenge was a massive undertaking that would have required significant resources, organization, and labour. The people who built it were part of a complex society, capable of large-scale projects and possessing a deep understanding of their environment.
Recent archaeological discoveries in the surrounding area, such as the nearby settlement of Durrington Walls, provide insights into the lives of the people who constructed Stonehenge. Evidence suggests that these communities were well-fed, with access to a variety of resources, and that they engaged in complex social and ritualistic practices.
Stonehenge continues to be a site of great cultural and historical significance. In 1986, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its importance as one of the most outstanding prehistoric monuments in the world.
Today, Stonehenge attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to marvel at its construction and contemplate its mysteries. Efforts to preserve the site have been ongoing for over a century, with modern conservation techniques ensuring that Stonehenge remains an enduring symbol of human ingenuity and creativity.
Stonehenge is a marvel of prehistoric engineering and a testament to the people who built it. Its purpose, while still shrouded in mystery, speaks to the sophisticated knowledge and cultural practices of the ancient Britons. Whether as an astronomical observatory, a religious site, or a social symbol, Stonehenge remains one of the most iconic and enigmatic monuments in human history, continuing to captivate and inspire people around the world.
Discover how the team from St Mary’s fared at Stonehenge in Lies, Damned Lies and History.