There is strong archaeological evidence that Stonehenge was used as
a burial site
, at least for part of its long history, but most scholars believe it served other functions as well—either as a ceremonial site, a religious pilgrimage destination, a final resting place for royalty or a memorial erected to honor and …
What is Stonehenge who made it and for what reason?
Although it’s one of the world’s most famous monuments, the prehistoric stone circle known as Stonehenge remains shrouded in mystery. … In the 17th and 18th centuries, many believed Stonehenge was a Druid temple, built by those
ancient Celtic pagans
as a center for their religious worship.
What is Stonehenge and why is it important?
Stonehenge is
the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world
, while Avebury is the largest in the world. Together with inter-related monuments and their associated landscapes, they help us to understand Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial and mortuary practices.
What is the story behind Stonehenge?
Built in several stages, Stonehenge began about 5,000 years ago as
a simple earthwork enclosure where prehistoric people buried their cremated dead
. The stone circle was erected in the centre of the monument in the late Neolithic period, around 2500 BC.
What is the message of Stonehenge?
Though there is no definite evidence as to the intended purpose of Stonehenge, it was presumably a religious site and
an expression of the power and wealth of the chieftains, aristocrats, and priests who had it built
—many of whom were buried in the numerous barrows close by.
Can you touch the Stonehenge?
Stonehenge is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaelogical Areas Act and you must adhere to the regulations outlined in the act or face criminal prosecution.
No person may touch, lean against, stand on or climb the stones, or disturb the ground in any way
.
What are 3 interesting facts about Stonehenge?
- It is really, really old. …
- It was created by a people who left no written records. …
- It could have been a burial ground. …
- Some of the stones were brought from nearly 200 miles away. …
- They are known as “ringing rocks” …
- There is an Arthurian legend about Stonehenge.
Is Stonehenge a wonder of the world?
Stonehenge is
one of the best known ancient wonders of the world
. The 5,000 year old henge monument became a World Heritage Site in 1986. … The stones have inspired many legends and folklore over the centuries as people try to explain the origins and function of the henge.
Is Stonehenge a clock?
Certainly the area had been of importance prior to its construction, but it had become more than that –
Stonehenge was a clock
, a clock that foretold the time not only of the solstices but perhaps also of sun and lunar eclipses.
How did they lift the stones at Stonehenge?
Raising the stones
The back of the hole was lined with a row of wooden stakes. The stone was then moved into position and
hauled upright using plant fibre ropes and probably a wooden A-frame
. Weights may have been used to help tip the stone upright. The hole was then packed securely with rubble.
Why is Stonehenge not a henge?
If there are two causeways, they often face one another across the circle. … Ironically, even though Stonehenge has an earthwork circle around it (the earliest phase of the monument), it isn’t officially a ‘proper’ henge, as
the main ditch is external to the main bank
. It has to make do with being a ‘proto-henge’.
What happened to the missing stones at Stonehenge?
A piece of one of the enormous sarsen stones at Stonehenge has been returned to the ancient monument. … The
repairs were masked by small plugs cut from sarsen fragments
found during excavations and are very hard to see today. The work was undertaken by a diamond cutting business called Van Moppes, a Basingstoke company.
How is Stonehenge being protected?
Stonehenge to Get Protection. Stonehenge is about to get a reprieve. Under a new plan,
roads and parking areas near the ancient British monument will be closed or buried
, in order to keep the peace in and around the giant stones. … A large section of another nearby road will be buried in a tunnel.
Can you see Stonehenge without paying?
Walking from Woodhenge to Stonehenge
is another free option for seeing the stones. … Once you arrive, the free views you’ll receive of Stonehenge are only a few metres back from the ones you’d get with a paid ticket. However, if you do wish to purchase a ticket, you’ll enjoy access to the Stonehenge visitor’s centre.
