Stonehenge

Located on the Salisbury Plain of Southern England, Stonehenge is a

megalithic rock monument of 150 enormous stones set in a purposeful

circular pattern, whose main portion was built about 2000 BC.

Stonehenge is one of the most famous archeological sites in the

world. It is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones set

within earthworks. This outside circle, whose diameter is about 30 meters,

includes 17 enormous upright trimmed stones of hard sandstone called

sarsen; some paired with a lintel over the top.

Inside the circle are five more paired-and-linteled stones of sarsen,

called trilithons, each of these weighing 50 to 60 tons, and the tallest,

seven meters high. Finally, a few smaller stones of bluestone quarried in

Western Wales, are set in two horseshoe patterns. A large block of Welsh

sandstone marks the center of the monument.

Stonehenge has been the focus of archeological investigations

beginning in the 17th century. However, the true meaning of this ancient,

awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was Stonehenge

a temple for sun worship, a healing center, a burial site, or perhaps a huge

calendar? No one can tell for sure. How did this primitive people manage to

carry the mighty stones from so far away and then, using only the most

primitive of tools, build this amazing structure? Archeologists fail to tell the

truth; they just can state theories that get to change from time to time.

While the real significance of Stonehenge is very much under debate

by experts, most theories suggest that the site was built for ceremonial

use. Archeological evidence has indicated that the monument is

astronomically aligned, placing particular significance on solstice and

equinox points.

There has been some speculation as to whether the monument could

have been used to predict solar and lunar eclipses. In addition, many

scientists believe that Stonehenge could have had some spiritual meaning

and ritual uses for the prehistoric people who built it.

If you ever go to England, Stonehenge never fails to impress the

visitor.