Stonehenge, the world’s most famous Neolithic monument, located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, continues to fascinate and mystify. While we have gained insights into who built it and how, the reasons behind its construction remain largely unknown. Over the years, various theories have emerged, attempting to explain the purpose of this ancient structure.
Burial Site: One prominent theory suggests that Stonehenge served as a Late Neolithic burial site and a monument to the dead, particularly during the first two phases of its construction, from approximately 3000 BC to 2500 BC. Charred remains discovered in the Aubrey Holes, which once held small standing stones, support this idea. The analysis of bones indicates that people were buried there during this 500-year period. After 2500 BC, the practice of burying remains within the stone circle ceased, with burials shifting to ditches around the periphery, which suggests a change in the cultural significance of Stonehenge. It is also believed that the bodies of the dead were transported from distant places, some from as far as 120 miles away in Wales, to be buried at Stonehenge. The area surrounding Stonehenge also contains hundreds of Bronze Age burial mounds or tumuli.
Astronomical Observatory: Another popular theory proposes that Stonehenge functioned as an ancient astronomical observatory, aligning with the sun, moon, and stars. Researchers have studied the placement of the bluestones, noting their careful arrangement based on early astronomical knowledge. The monument’s alignment with the Summer and Winter Solstices is well known. An analysis of the stone’s positions and orientations has revealed a strong correlation with the movements of the sun and moon. Gerald Hawkins identified 165 separate points at Stonehenge that could be linked to astrological phenomena.
Healing Site: A more recent theory suggests that Stonehenge was a site of pilgrimage and healing, a “prehistoric Lourdes”. This theory, put forward by Professors Timothy Darvill and Geoff Wainwright, highlights the significance of the smaller bluestones at the centre of the circle. It is believed that the massive effort to transport these bluestones from the mountains of southwest Wales was due to their supposed magical, healing properties and their association with healing springs. Chippings carved out of the bluestones have been found, suggesting their use in making amulets, which could have been for protective or healing purposes.
Other Theories: There are many other theories about the purpose of Stonehenge. Some believe that it was a place of worship, with its alignment with the sun and solstices suggesting ritualistic sun worship. Others believe it was a sacred site for ceremonies and astronomical observations. There are also theories that it was a mnemonic center for recording and retrieving knowledge, that it was built to make music, or that it was built by aliens. Early theories were influenced by supernatural folktales, with some legends suggesting that Merlin had a giant build the structure, or that the Devil was responsible.
Construction Techniques: The construction of Stonehenge involved moving massive stones using only primitive technology. Various methods have been suggested, including the use of wooden sledges, ropes, and levers. There have been experiments to replicate the construction using these methods. Some have suggested that stones were moved by submerging them in water and towing them below vessels.
Conclusion: The true purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery. It is possible that the monument served multiple purposes over the millennia, with its function changing with societal shifts. Perhaps it is more useful to look at the evolution of the purpose of Stonehenge over time rather than seeking a single explanation.
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