Stonehenge, a monument that evokes wonder and fascination, is one of the most mysterious in the world. Located on Salisbury Plain in England, this prehistoric stone circle attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. It is a place full of history and enigmas, where the past and the present intersect. In this article, we will explore Stonehenge, its discovery, its history, its origin, its construction, and the different theories and hypotheses of archaeologists.
Discovery and history of Stonehenge
Let’s delve into the history of Stonehenge, this monument of a thousand mysteries.
Stonehenge was discovered in the 17th century by British antiquary John Aubrey, who also identified the 56 “Aubrey Holes” that surround the stone circle. However, its existence predates this discovery. Indeed, the first constructions of Stonehenge date back to the Bronze Age, around 2500 years BC.
The monument developed in several phases over millennia. Originally, Stonehenge was probably a simple circle of stones. Over the centuries, the site has undergone various modifications and additions, including the circle of sarsens (large sandstone stones), the blue stones from Wales, and the configuration of the axis of the site towards the sunrise during the summer solstice.
Origin of the Stonehenge megaliths
Let’s find out together where these imposing stones that make up the Stonehenge monument come from.
One of the great enigmas of Stonehenge concerns the origin of the megaliths. In recent years, the work of archaeologist Mike Parker Pearson has shed light on this question. He discovered that the blue stones, the oldest at Stonehenge, actually come from a region in Wales called Preseli. These stones would have been transported to England, a remarkable feat considering their weight and the distance to be covered.
More recently, a new discovery was made in the West Woods. Researchers found traces of sandstone, identical to those used for Stonehenge sarsens. This suggests that these stones came from this region located around twenty kilometers from the site.
Construction of Stonehenge: a Bronze Age feat
The mystery surrounding the construction of Stonehenge is just as fascinating as the origin of its stones.
How were the men of the Bronze Age able to transport and erect these megaliths, some weighing up to 30 tonnes? Several hypotheses have been put forward: the use of ramps and ropes, river transport or even the use of tree trunks as rollers. Despite these theories, the construction of Stonehenge remains a true feat, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
The site would also have an astronomical orientation. Indeed, the alignment of the stones with sunrise during the summer solstice and sunset during the winter solstice seems to indicate use for ritual or calendrical purposes.
Stonehenge and its mysteries
Stonehenge continues to fascinate and intrigue researchers and the general public alike.
The monument is surrounded by myths and legends, some presenting it as the work of sorcerers, others as that of extraterrestrials. Stonehenge has also been associated with other famous megalithic sites, such as Easter Island or Loch Ness.
However, despite these superstitions, archaeologists continue to unravel the threads of its history. Recently, another discovery was made at Waun Mawn, Wales. There, an ancient stone circle, similar to Stonehenge, was dismantled, leading to speculation that the stones were transported to build Stonehenge. This would be an indication of a link between these two sites, one more avenue to explore.
Stonehenge, this majestic and enigmatic monument, has not yet revealed all its secrets. Each new discovery brings its share of questions and mysteries to solve. What was the real use of Stonehenge? Why and how was this monument built? Where exactly do these megaliths come from?
The story of Stonehenge is a true epic, made up of centuries of research, discoveries, interpretations and debates. Rich, fascinating and mysterious, it continues to captivate the collective imagination and challenge researchers. Stonehenge remains, without doubt, one of the greatest mysteries in our history.
The year is 2024 and Stonehenge continues to be an inexhaustible source of curiosity and fascination. Who knows what the future holds in terms of discoveries? One thing is certain, the quest to understand Stonehenge is far from over.
