By Sofia Cavicchia
In the South of England, in the middle of a large field called Salisbury Plain, lies a mysterious circle of stones the world calls “Stonehenge”. Stonehenge is made up of roughly 100 stones, some of them being up to 30 feet long! This monument is so fascinating because no one knows who put the stones there, where they came from, or what they mean.
Some scientists believe that three different tribes built Stonehenge starting about 5,000 years ago. Scientists think that these tribes built Stonehenge in three different stages. It is hypothesized that the building of Stonehenge was completed about 3,000 years ago.
However, the reason for building Stonehenge still remains a complete mystery. What do the intricate designs of these stones mean? What were they used for? No one knows for sure. However, there are several theories about the creation of Stonehenge. Let’s look at a few of them!
Some people believe that Stonehenge was an ancient burial ground used for funerals and to honor the dead. Recently, thousand year old human bones were found at the site. These findings lead people to believe that Stonehenge might have been used as a cemetery for the people who built the site.
Others believe that Stonehenge was used as a calendar. Researchers that studied Stonehenge believe the stones were used to track the movements of the sun, moon and stars. The entrance of the stones aligns perfectly with the Sun on the longest day of the year, June 21st. Some theorize that Stonehenge had something to do with seasons changing or a calendar for the sky.
Although no one knows where Stonehenge came from, it is a very important monument for England and the world! In 1986, Stonehenge became a World Heritage Site. This is an important title given to historical sites that people think are culturally and historically significant. Today, people from all over the world can go visit this famous and mysterious site. So, what do you think? Where did these stones come from? Were they used for funerals, were they a calendar or is there another secret to unlock?
Sources:
BBC. (2022, June 24). What happened at Stonehenge? BBC Bitesize. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z82hsbk/articles/zg8q2hv
Bowman, G. (2010, January 2). Stonehenge - Salisbury Plain, Amesbury, Wiltshire, South West England. Flickr. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
https://www.flickr.com/photos/glenbowman/4234786323
Who built Stonehenge? About Stonehenge .Info. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
https://www.aboutstonehenge.info/who-built-stonehenge/
Why was Stonehenge built? Evan Evans Tours. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
https://evanevanstours.com/travel-guide/out-of-london-guide/stonehenge-guide/
Woodward, A. (n.d.). Millennia after Stonehenge was built, archaeologists are finally solidifying where its stones came from and why it was erected. Business Insider. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
https://www.businessinsider.com/stonehenge-origins-purpose-built-in-wales-moved-to-england-2021-2