The Stonehenge Mystery
A prehistoric monument's purpose remains debated after 5,000 years.
The Stonehenge Mystery
Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain is perhaps the world’s most famous prehistoric monument. Built between 3000 and 2000 BCE, its massive stones were transported from hundreds of miles away. Why it was built and how remains debated.
The Construction
Stonehenge was built in stages over roughly 1,500 years. The largest stones weigh up to 50 tons and were transported from 25 miles away. The bluestones came from Wales, over 150 miles distant. The logistics were extraordinary.
The Purpose
Theories about Stonehenge’s purpose include astronomical observatory, religious temple, healing site, and ceremonial gathering place. The stones align with the sunrise on the summer solstice, suggesting astronomical significance.
The Engineering
How Neolithic people moved and raised such massive stones remains debated. Proposed methods include wooden rollers, sledges, and waterways. No single theory fully explains the achievement.
The Paranormal
Stonehenge has attracted supernatural associations for centuries. Druids performed ceremonies there (though they didn’t build it). UFO sightings occur regularly. Some report strange feelings and visions.
Modern Investigation
Archaeological excavations continue to reveal new information. Human remains have been found. The site was likely both a cemetery and a ceremonial center. Its full purpose may never be known.
Assessment
Stonehenge demonstrates that prehistoric peoples were capable of extraordinary feats. Whether its purpose was purely practical or involved dimensions we cannot understand, it remains humanity’s most enduring mystery.