Table of Contents
Introduction
Stonehenge stands as one of the most iconic and mysterious ancient sites in the world. The massive megalithic structure located in Wiltshire, England is instantly recognizable, yet much about its original purpose and the people who built it remains shrouded in mystery. As one of Britain’s most famous landmarks, Stonehenge has been studied for centuries, with new discoveries and theories emerging even today that shed light on its rich history. The prehistoric monument offers an important window into the Neolithic and Bronze Age cultures that existed in Britain and Europe thousands of years ago.
The Early History of Stonehenge
The story of Stonehenge begins over 10,000 years ago during Britain’s Mesolithic period. Evidence indicates that the site was of ritual significance as far back as 8,000 BCE, with wooden posts erected there around that time. These posts would later be replaced by stones brought from as far away as Wales. Throughout the Neolithic period, the area around Stonehenge functioned as an important ceremonial and burial complex for Britain’s prehistoric peoples.
The earliest known phases of construction at Stonehenge date back an astonishing 5,000 years to 3,100 BCE. This period saw the digging of a ring-shaped ditch around the site along with an inner bank of chalk. While no standing stones were erected at this time, the layout shows that the location was already being used for ceremonial purposes in the Early Neolithic. The site would be added to and transformed over subsequent centuries.
Stonehenge in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages
The key phases of Stonehenge’s construction took place over several hundred years during Britain’s Neolithic period, with major development reaching its peak between 3,000-1,600 BCE. This period saw the planning and human coordination required to transport and erect the monument’s largest sarsen stones from the Marlborough Downs 20 miles away.
The major elements added to Stonehenge during this phase include:
- Sarsen stones arranged in an outer circle and inner horseshoe shape
- Lintel stones joining the sarsens
- Bluestones erected in horseshoe and circle formations inside the sarsen trilithons
- Possible stone and wood circles surrounding the monument
The precision engineering demonstrated in Stonehenge’s design allowed it to function as an astronomical calendar and observatory aligned with solstices and equinoxes. As its builders possessed only primitive technology, the scale of Stonehenge represents an enormous feat of Neolithic engineering.
In addition to its astronomical alignments, Stonehenge served as an important ritual site during the Neolithic and Bronze Age, with evidence of human burials discovered there. The monument’s religious and ceremonial functions continued to develop over the centuries that followed.
Theories on the Builders and Purposes of Stonehenge
Archaeologists have put forward many theories regarding who built Stonehenge and why. As no written records about its construction exist, these theories remain speculative. However, scientific dating and archaeological evidence provide clues.
Leading theories suggest the monument was built in different phases by Neolithic peoples inhabiting Britain at the time. Perhaps it was constructed collaboratively over generations by societies inhabiting different regions. Interpretations of its purpose also vary, but often focus on astronomical, burial, and ceremonial functions.
Some theories posit Stonehenge originally functioned as:
- An astronomical observatory for monitoring solstices, eclipses, or other celestial events
- A sacred burial ground and ceremonial complex related to ancestor worship
- A site for healing rituals connected to its bluestone circles
- A display of unity and power by Neolithic chiefdoms
While the original impetus behind Stonehenge remains ambiguous, the consensus suggests its design reflects the astronomical knowledge and engineering abilities these ancient societies possessed. It stands as an impressive technological and architectural achievement for its time.
Stonehenge Through the Ages
After the late Bronze Age, Stonehenge fell out of use around 1,600 BCE and would undergo changes over subsequent centuries. During Britain’s Iron Age period between 800-100 BCE, some stones were rearranged and toppled while others were removed from the site completely. There is also evidence of Iron Age burials around Stonehenge.
Throughout Roman Britain between 43-410 CE, Stonehenge continued to function as a site of ceremonial significance. Some relics and Roman coins have been unearthed there. It was during the Middle Ages that the legend of Stonehenge’s construction by the wizard Merlin emerged, along with myths linking it to the Graal legend and nearby Amesbury Abbey.
It was not until the 12th century that the stones still standing today were shaped into their familiar forms with the use of primitive stone-shaping techniques. While neglected for a period during the Middle Ages, Stonehenge reemerged as an important English landmark.
Rediscovering Stonehenge in Modern Times
In the 17th century, scholars began conducting early scientific studies of Stonehenge seeking to date its construction and decipher its meanings. Pioneer archaeologist William Stukeley surveyed the site extensively in the 1720s, speculating Stonehenge had been built by ancient Druids as a temple. In the 19th century, archaeologist Sir John Lubbock confirmed the site’s triplet of Standing Stones as a prehistoric temple aligned with the solstice sunrise.
Major developments in Stonehenge research took place in the 20th century. In 1901, Sir Edmund Antrobus of Stonehenge estate permitted excavations that uncovered cremated remains of up to 58 individuals. William Hawley conducted extensive excavations in 1919-1926, confirming human cremation burial around Stonehenge beginning in the late Neolithic. Radiocarbon dating in the 1950s-60s helped date the monument’s stages of construction.
From the 1980s onward, modern archaeoastronomical, geophysical, and geological studies have shed light on Stonehenge’s original appearance and construction phases. Ongoing research aims to further understand prehistoric engineering techniques used to build the monument. Stonehenge remains one of Britain’s most visited tourist attractions and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site undergoing preservation efforts.
Conclusion
Stonehenge represents an architectural and engineering marvel that continues to spark curiosity about Neolithic Britain. The prehistoric monument offers a glimpse into the sophisticated knowledge and belief systems these societies possessed even with only primitive technology at their disposal. While many specifics about Stonehenge’s original purpose and construction remain ambiguous, ongoing research and archaeological discoveries are bringing us closer to understanding this enigmatic stone circle. Stonehenge will likely intrigue scholars and visitors as a mystical window into ancient Britain for centuries to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old is Stonehenge?
A: Stonehenge is estimated to be around 5,000 years old, with construction beginning around 3,100 BCE during Britain’s Neolithic period. However, evidence shows the site held ritual significance as far back as 8,000 BCE.
Q: Who built Stonehenge?
A: Stonehenge was built in different phases likely by various prehistoric societies across Neolithic Britain, including ancestors of groups in modern-day Wales and England. The exact identities of the builders remain unknown.
Q: How were the stones transported?
A: It remains unclear exactly how Neolithic people transported stones weighing up to 4 tons from over 20 miles away, but theories suggest a combination of wooden sledges, ropes, and logs were used.
Q: What was Stonehenge used for?
A: Stonehenge likely served various ceremonial, astronomical, and ritual uses. Theories suggest it was used as a burial ground, temple, astronomical calendar, and site for ancestor worship and healing rituals.
Q: Is Stonehenge lined up with the solstices?
A: Yes, Stonehenge is aligned with the summer and winter solstices. On the summer solstice, the sunrise aligns with the monument’s heel stone while on the winter solstice the sunset aligns with it.