Stonehenge is an ancient monument located in Wiltshire, England, consisting of standing stones arranged in a circular formation. The origins of Stonehenge date back to the Neolithic era, around 3000 BCE, and its construction was completed in several phases over the next millennium. While the exact purpose of the monument remains a mystery, historians and archaeologists have offered several theories over the years.
The first phase of construction began around 3000 BCE, with the excavation of a circular ditch and bank around the site. The ditch was approximately 10 feet deep and 20 feet wide, while the bank was around 6 feet tall. The purpose of this ditch and bank is unclear, but it may have served as a way to delineate the sacred space of the monument from the surrounding landscape.
Around 2500 BCE, the construction of the standing stones began. The stones were sourced from a quarry about 25 miles away and transported to the site using a combination of rollers and sledges. The largest stones, known as sarsens, weigh up to 25 tons and were likely transported using rafts along rivers.
The final phase of construction occurred around 1500 BCE, with the addition of smaller stones, known as bluestones, which were sourced from a quarry in Wales. The bluestones were arranged in a horseshoe shape inside the circle of sarsens. The purpose of these stones is also unclear, but they may have had a symbolic or ritualistic significance.
Over the centuries, Stonehenge has been used for various purposes. In the Bronze Age, it was used as a burial site, with cremated remains being interred in pits around the monument. In the Iron Age, it was used as a place of worship and continued to be used for this purpose by the Romans after they invaded Britain in the 1st century CE.
Throughout the medieval period, Stonehenge was a popular pilgrimage site, with many believing that the stones had healing properties. In the 17th century, the monument became the subject of intense archaeological investigation, with early researchers attempting to decipher its purpose and origins.
Today, Stonehenge remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Britain’s ancient history. While the exact purpose of the monument may never be known, its enduring mystery continues to fascinate and inspire people from around the world.