Discover various unique facts about Stonehenge, from history, construction to the phenomena that surround the world’s largest megalithic site.
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric sites, located in Wiltshire, England. Known for its large circular stone formations, Stonehenge has attracted the attention of scientists, historians and tourists from all over the world.
However, while we can admire its beauty, there are still many unsolved mysteries about its origins and purpose. Here are 10 unique, little-known facts about Stonehenge, this enigmatic site.
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What is Stonehenge?
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument made of large stones arranged in a circle. Consisting of two main types of stone, the large sarsen and the smaller bluestone, the site is known for its enormous size and the way it is arranged to create an extraordinary structure.
As a megalithic site, Stonehenge is thought to have been built around 4,500 years ago, although there is no clear consensus on its purpose or who built it. In 1986, Stonehenge was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical and cultural importance.
1. Stonehenge is almost 5,000 years old
Stonehenge is considered to be one of the oldest human constructions still in existence today. This site is older than the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. It is estimated that construction of the site began around 3,000 BC and took centuries to complete the entire structure.
This makes it one of the most monumental monuments in the world. The exact purpose of its construction remains a mystery, although many theories have developed regarding its function as a place of worship or burial.
Exploring these mysteries is one of the fascinating Things to do English, offering insights into the site’s historical and cultural significance.
2. Construction Project That Took 1,500 Years
The construction of Stonehenge took place in several phases over a period of more than 1,500 years. Although there is no definitive record of when construction began, archaeologists suggest that the first phase began around 3000 BC.
The large stones at Stonehenge were refined and rearranged until 1500 BC, with holes and other stones added to enhance the arrangement.
3. Stones from Near and Far Make the Journey to Complete the Monument
One of the most interesting aspects of Stonehenge is the type of stone used in its construction. There are two different types of stones in the composition of this stone.
The largest stone, known as a sarsen, is thought to have been taken from the Marlborough Downs, about 45km from the site of Stonehenge. The smaller, blue-green bluestones are thought to have been transported from Maenclochog, a site about 230km away in Wales.
The process of transporting these stones, which took place in prehistoric times, remains one of the great mysteries surrounding the construction of Stonehenge.
4. Stonehenge Caused Conflict in 1985
In 1985, Stonehenge was at the centre of controversy and tensions between police and tourists who had come to celebrate the Free Festival at the site.
Over 600 New Age people attempted to celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge, but were stopped by 1,300 police officers about 10km from the site. The clashes lasted for several hours, leading to the arrest of 537 people, making it one of the largest arrests in Britain at the time.
5. Stonehenge is a collection of large clinking stones
Despite being thousands of years old, this site still has extraordinary acoustic qualities. The large stones at Stonehenge, when struck, make a loud, resonant clanging sound.
This has attracted the attention of many people, with some believing that these sounds had mystical or healing powers in ancient cultures. This phenomenon adds a magical feel to the site, further strengthening Stonehenge’s position as a site with a mysterious aura.
6. Stonehenge Aligns Itself with the Sun
Stonehenge is not only famous for its large stone structure, but also for its astronomical connections. The site is built so that it aligns itself with the sunrise on the summer solstice and the sunset on the winter solstice.
This shows a very advanced level of architectural skill and astronomical understanding for the period. The extraordinary accuracy in aligning the monument with the movement of the sun was a remarkable achievement for that era.
7. Unique Joints Used in Its Construction
Stonehenge uses a very unique joining technique in its construction, namely tongue and groove joining. This technique, commonly used in wood construction, allows large stones to be joined very tightly together without using any other adhesive materials.
This technique ensures that large stones, such as lintels located on top of vertical stones, remain firmly and stably attached for thousands of years.
8. The Ring of 56 Holes Surrounding Stonehenge
Another interesting feature of Stonehenge is the ring of 56 holes, known as the “Aubrey Holes.” These holes are located in a ditch that surrounds the monument, and are named after John Aubrey, an antiquarian who first identified them in the 17th century.
Although their purpose is not entirely clear, some researchers suggest that these holes may have served as tools for astronomical calculations or rituals.
9. Stonehenge as a Burial Place
Recent archaeological studies have revealed that Stonehenge also served as a burial site. In 2013, archaeologists discovered the remains of more than 50,000 human bones that date back to around 3000 to 2500 BC.
This discovery suggests that Stonehenge was not only used as a place of worship or ceremony, but also played an important role in burying and honoring the dead.
10. Round Fence Dug with Horn Tool
Before constructing this magnificent monument, the builders of Stonehenge first dug a circular ditch that surrounded the site. This ditch is about 2 meters deep and is believed to have been dug using tools made of horn, which was one of the traditional tools used at that time.
This ditch not only served as a physical barrier, but also as an important element in the rituals that may have taken place around Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous and mysterious sites, offering more than just stunning views.
With its rich history, unique architecture, and close ties to astronomy, Stonehenge, one of the most iconic Tourist Attractions in London, continues to be a subject of study and fascination.
From its incredible construction to its role in ancient culture and rituals, the site still holds many mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this magnificent site and experience the magical atmosphere that surrounds it.