Located in Wiltshire in England, Stonehenge is one of the most impressive prehistoric megalithic monuments in the world. It is among the most famous groups of megaliths in the world and has become one of the most famous sites in the world. Stonehenge is an ancient ceremonial landscape of great archaeological importance on account of the sheer size of its megaliths, the sophistication of its concentric plan and architectural design.
For centuries there has been much debate as to when Stonehenge dates back to and what it’s actual use was. Radiocarbon dating in 2008 suggested that the first stones were raised between 2400 and 2200 BC. However, there is another theory that suggests that bluestones may have been raised at the site as early as 3000 BC. Archaeologists now believe that the monument was built anywhere from 3000 BC to 2000 BC in the Neolithic period. However, the building of Stonehenge started about 5,000 years ago with the creation of an earthwork enclosure.
The biggest of its stones, known as sarsens, are up to 30 feet tall and weigh 25 tons on average. The sarsens are widely believed to have been brought from a distance of 20 miles. Smaller stones, referred to as bluestones, weigh up to 4 tons. Most of these stones appear to have been brought from a distance of 156 miles. It’s unknown how people in antiquity moved them that far. However, scientists recently have raised the possibility that during the last ice age glaciers carried these bluestones closer to the Stonehenge area.
There are many stories about the significance of Stonehenge. It may have been an astronomical observatory or used for sacred rituals linked to the sun, successful crops or even the dead. However, there isn’t much doubt that Stonehenge is anything but a beautiful eye-opener to historic construction. It is one of the wonders of the world and the site worth visiting. The best approach to the famous stone circle is across Normanton Down, a round barrow cemetery dates from around 2600 to 1600BC.
Source: Wikipedia
For centuries there has been much debate as to when Stonehenge dates back to and what it’s actual use was. Radiocarbon dating in 2008 suggested that the first stones were raised between 2400 and 2200 BC. However, there is another theory that suggests that bluestones may have been raised at the site as early as 3000 BC. Archaeologists now believe that the monument was built anywhere from 3000 BC to 2000 BC in the Neolithic period. However, the building of Stonehenge started about 5,000 years ago with the creation of an earthwork enclosure.
The biggest of its stones, known as sarsens, are up to 30 feet tall and weigh 25 tons on average. The sarsens are widely believed to have been brought from a distance of 20 miles. Smaller stones, referred to as bluestones, weigh up to 4 tons. Most of these stones appear to have been brought from a distance of 156 miles. It’s unknown how people in antiquity moved them that far. However, scientists recently have raised the possibility that during the last ice age glaciers carried these bluestones closer to the Stonehenge area.
There are many stories about the significance of Stonehenge. It may have been an astronomical observatory or used for sacred rituals linked to the sun, successful crops or even the dead. However, there isn’t much doubt that Stonehenge is anything but a beautiful eye-opener to historic construction. It is one of the wonders of the world and the site worth visiting. The best approach to the famous stone circle is across Normanton Down, a round barrow cemetery dates from around 2600 to 1600BC.
Source: Wikipedia
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