Stonehenge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. There are many theories about what it was used for and how it was built. Some people believe that it was a place of worship for ancient druids, while others think it was once a solar observatory. Whatever its original purpose, Stonehenge is an impressive structure that has inspired both awe and curiosity for thousands of years. We will look at some interesting facts about Stonehenge and explore some theories as to why this mysterious monument was built on the Salisbury plains around 3200 BC and what its original function may have been.
Who Built Stonehenge?
The stones of Stonehenge may have been built by an enormous team of laborers, each managing a single stone. When the monument was new, bones from many hundreds of pigs were buried at its foot. This suggests that a very large workforce feasted on bacon. The workforce was probably drawn from far and wide. But why did they build Stonehenge?
Why Was Stonehenge Built?
The true purpose of Stonehenge remains one of the great mysteries of the ancient world. There are numerous theories as to why it was built, but no one knows for certain. One theory is that the structure was used as a place of healing. The positioning of the stones may have been designed to improve the flow of energy around the site. An important part of healing rituals in ancient cultures was the use of sound to create vibrations that can be used to heal the body in a multitude of ways. The great stones of Stonehenge could very well be used as natural instruments. The stones were also aligned with the movement of the sun and moon. This could have been used to create a calendar to keep track of the changing seasons.
The Stonehenge Today
The stones of Stonehenge have been standing in the Salisbury Plain in England for thousands of years. They have been visited and studied by people throughout history, and they continue to inspire awe in the modern-day. The stones are currently owned by the British government and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stones that form the structure were carved from a type of rock called sarsen sandstone. The rocks were brought from a quarry about 25 miles from Stonehenge and are believed to weigh as much as 50 tons each. Stonehenge may have been a place of healing, a calendar, a place for astronomical observation, or even a place of worship. No one knows for certain what its original function was. It is an impressive structure that has inspired awe and curiosity for thousands of years.
How was Stonehenge Built?
The construction of the stones is quite impressive. The largest stones weigh 50 tons and are estimated to be between 16 and 23 feet long. The stones are thought to have been moved by rolling them on logs or wooden sleds. Recent research suggests that up to 5000 people may have been involved in moving the stones. The central stones were erected first. They may have been lifted into place by the use of a crane made of wood and ropes. The stones at the outside edge of the monument were put in place last, and it is estimated that the entire construction took around 500 years, finishing around 2500 BC.
How Many Visitors?
The number of people visiting Stonehenge has increased steadily in the last decade. In 2017, 1,008,000 people came to visit the site. To deal with the increase in visitors, the government has introduced a timed entry system that allows only a certain number of people into the site at any given time. This way, everyone can have a chance to see the monument.
Theories of its Purpose
Stonehenge has been the subject of intense study since its discovery in the 16th century. Many different theories have been put forward as to why this mysterious monument was built. Theories include that it was a place of healing, a calendar, a place for astronomical observation, or even a place of worship. No one knows for certain what its original function was. Stonehenge is a mystery that has fascinated people throughout history and continues to do so today.
Summing up
Stonehenge is a mysterious monument that has enchanted people for millennia. The true purpose of this ancient structure remains a mystery, with numerous theories having been put forward as to why it was built. It is believed that Stonehenge was constructed around 3200 BC and is comprised of large stones that were brought to the site from a distance of about 25 miles away. There are numerous theories as to why this structure was built, including that it was a place of healing, a calendar, a place for astronomical observation, or even a place of worship. No one knows for certain what its original function was. Stonehenge is an impressive structure that has inspired awe and curiosity for thousands of years.