From studying the remains of those buried at the site, we know that the bodies of the dead were transported from far and wide to be buried at Stonehenge; some appeared to have lived more than miles km away in Wales. Carbon dating of the remains suggests they were cremated off-site, transported to Stonehenge and buried there around 4,, years ago.
These burial mounds are unique for their dense, grouped distribution across the landscape, and are frequently within sight of the stone circle itself. Archaeologists also discovered evidence of a large settlement of houses nearby, suggesting that Stonehenge was at the centre of a large ancient ceremonial complex that ran along the River Avon. Researchers have studied the standing bluestones at Stonehenge, and believe they were carefully placed in their surroundings based on early astronomical knowledge.
The exact method is not known, but the stones were probably hauled across the land or carried to the site using water networks. Avebury, several miles to the north, is probably the most famous real henge. The sarsen stones at Stonehenge may look big they are but around a quarter of their bulk is buried underground for support. Stone 56, the largest surviving upright of the inner sarsen trilithon, stands 6. The earliest depiction of Stonehenge appears in the Scala Mundi Chronicle of the World , compiled around The monument is drawn rather unrealistically, appearing rectangular rather than circular in plan.
There were originally only two entrances to the enclosure, English Heritage explains — a wide one to the north east, and a smaller one on the southern side. Today there are many more gaps — this is mainly the result of later tracks that once crossed the monument. A circle of 56 pits, known as the Aubrey Holes named after John Aubrey, who identified them in , sits inside the enclosure. Its purpose remains unknown, but some believe the pits once held stones or posts. Roman pottery, stone, metal items and coins have been found during various excavations at Stonehenge.
An English Heritage report in said that considerably fewer medieval artefacts have been discovered, which suggests the site was used more sporadically during the period.
Stonehenge has a long relationship with astronomers , the English Heritage report explains. In , Dr Halley used magnetic deviation and the position of the rising sun to estimate the age of Stonehenge. He concluded the date was BC.
And, in , John Smith mused that the estimated total of 30 sarsen stones multiplied by 12 astrological signs equalled days of the year, while the inner circle represented the lunar month. In the s, after carrying out some of the first scientifically recorded excavations at the site, Charles Darwin concluded that earthworms were largely to blame for the Stonehenge stones sinking through the soil.
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Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more. Follow the links below to jump to each section:. Geoffrey of Monmouth suggested that the stones had been erected as a memorial to commemorate murdered British leaders.
What it was for and how it was built are just two of the questions that have been vexing archaeologists. In recent years more than bone fragments of 63 people have been discovered at Stonehenge. More recently archaeological evidence seems to point to Stonehenge being a burial place for the elite only- the 'royals'. The other archaeological finds around Stonehenge show evidence of a large settlement of houses nearby.
Theories are that Stonehenge formed part of a larger ceremonial complex along the nearby Avon that also included the vast earth mound at Silbury Hill, as well as Durrington Walls, and Woodhenge.
The River Avon is thought to have been a conduit between the world of the living Woodhenge and the world of the dead Stonehenge. Academics say that a pre service took place at Woodhenge and then the people proceeded for a final service at Stonehenge. The existence of a ceremonial route up to Stonehenge suggests an organised procession where some kind of ritual took place within the inner sanctum of Stonehenge by the Altar Stone.
The fact that Stonehenge had banks 6 foot high surrounding it precluding viewing into it raises the spectre that perhaps only the highest echelon were part of the ceremony. It is also clear that astronomy had something to do with Stonehenge, it is just too much of a coincidence the siting of the stones.
The pure theory that Stonehenge was all to do with astronomy, the private fiefdom of a 'priest' like figure or group that studied astronomy to predict the seasons for agriculture is largely discredited. A common view is that the timings of the ceremonies was all important and this is the only astronomical significance.
And what is the significance of the ley lines that bisect Stonehenge and many other similar Neolithic monuments that statistically go well beyond it being just coincidence? Today Stonehenge is of course famous for being a gathering place for thousands of people, for one day every June, from all walks of life, including pagans and druids and those looking to experience the spectacular wonder of Stonehenge at dawn at the solstice.
Summer Solstice tour from London. There is also evidence that Stonehenge and Durrington Walls was a place of pilgrimage. What is clear is that people travelled some way to Stonehenge. A skeleton found when studied was from a person originating from what is Switzerland today for example. The bluestones first brought to Stonehenge were thought by some ancient societies to have healing properties. Some human remains found show evidence of significant injuries to those attending.
So one theory is that Stonehenge was thought to be a place of pilgrimage where miracles of healing may take place. The religious aspect also has to be accounted for and logically is the key to understanding what went on at Stonehenge.
Unfortunately we will never know for sure the detail of what they believed. Today, Stonehenge is used by pagan religions which have some similarities. Druids often use Stonehenge for formal ceremonies, normally long before the tourists arrive. Nobody knows for sure what Stonehenge was used for; that is part of the appeal and fun of visiting Stonehenge.
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