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Stonehenge
Ancient stones weighing up to 25 tons, some transported 150 miles. Who built it, and why? An astronomical observatory? A healing temple? A place of the dead? The druids adopted it, but didn't build it.
3000 BCE - 2000 BCE
Wiltshire, England
1000000+ witnesses
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments—and most mysterious.
The Monument
According to documented archaeology:
Stonehenge:
- Built in stages, 3000-2000 BCE
- Sarsen stones weigh up to 25 tons
- Bluestones from 150 miles away
- Astronomical alignments
- Purpose debated
The Mystery
Questions include:
- How were stones transported?
- Why these specific stones?
- What was its purpose?
- Who built it?
- How long did it take?
Theories
Proposed purposes:
- Astronomical observatory
- Temple to the sun
- Healing sanctuary
- Site for the dead
- Calendar
- All of the above
The Bluestones
The smaller stones:
- Came from Wales
- 150+ miles away
- Each weighs several tons
- Why these specific stones?
- Acoustic properties special?
The Druids
Despite association:
- Druids didn’t build Stonehenge
- It predates them by millennia
- They adopted the site later
- Modern druid ceremonies there
- Midwinter solstice celebrations
Ongoing Discovery
Recent findings:
- Neolithic village nearby
- Larger stone circle discovered
- Avenue processional route
- Acoustic properties mapped
- Still revealing secrets