Stonehenge — a famous place in England
Brief: a prehistoric stone circle in Wiltshire, near Salisbury.
Time and construction stages
— The first structures appeared around 3000 BC (about 5,000
years ago).
— The main stone phase dates to c. 2500–2000 BC.
— Construction took place in several stages: earth bank and
ditch (henge), then erection of large sarsens and smaller
bluestones.
years ago).
— The main stone phase dates to c. 2500–2000 BC.
— Construction took place in several stages: earth bank and
ditch (henge), then erection of large sarsens and smaller
bluestones.
| Location and surrounding landscape — Located in Wiltshire, southern England, near the city of Salisbury. — Stonehenge is part of a larger ritual landscape: barrows, causeways, settlements and monuments, including Durrington Walls and the River Avon. |
| Stone types and origin — Sarsens: large sandstone blocks forming the outer circle and horseshoe. — Bluestones: smaller stones brought from Wales, approximately 200 km away. — Transport methods likely combined sledges, rollers, levers and possible water routes; several theories exist and research continues. |
Archaeological finds and research methods
— Postholes, flint tools, bones, pottery and barrows have been
found.
— Modern methods: radiocarbon dating, geological and
petrographic analysis, geophysical surveys.
— 20th–21st century excavations refined the chronology and
functions of the complex.
found.
— Modern methods: radiocarbon dating, geological and
petrographic analysis, geophysical surveys.
— 20th–21st century excavations refined the chronology and
functions of the complex.
Purpose and astronomical alignments
— The exact purpose is unknown; main hypotheses include
ritual functions, burial site, ancestor cult, and a center for seasonal ceremonies.
— Some stones align with the sunrise at the summer solstice and the sunset at the winter solstice, indicating observation of the sky and seasonal cycles.
ritual functions, burial site, ancestor cult, and a center for seasonal ceremonies.
— Some stones align with the sunrise at the summer solstice and the sunset at the winter solstice, indicating observation of the sky and seasonal cycles.
Protection and significance today
— In 1986 the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
— A visitor centre displays finds, models and videos; the stone circle is usually fenced, but special events allow closer access.
— Stonehenge is an important symbol of prehistoric Britain and a subject of active research.
— A visitor centre displays finds, models and videos; the stone circle is usually fenced, but special events allow closer access.
— Stonehenge is an important symbol of prehistoric Britain and a subject of active research.
Interesting historical facts
— Medieval chroniclers already noted the stones and surrounded them
with legends.
— Systematic archaeological excavations began in the 19th century.
— Petrographic analysis confirmed the bluestones’ origins in particular
Welsh locations.
— 20th-century discoveries of barrows and causeways expanded
understanding of Stonehenge’s role in the landscape.
with legends.
— Systematic archaeological excavations began in the 19th century.
— Petrographic analysis confirmed the bluestones’ origins in particular
Welsh locations.
— 20th-century discoveries of barrows and causeways expanded
understanding of Stonehenge’s role in the landscape.
| What to see and where to continue study — Visitor centre: finds, interactive exhibits and reconstructions. — Nearby: Durrington Walls, ancient barrows and the River Avon — parts of the wider historical context. — Stonehenge remains a focus for new research and archaeological debate. |
Brief conclusion
Stonehenge is a multilayered prehistoric complex built in
stages, with stones of different origins, associated with ritual practices and astronomical orientations, part of a large ritual landscape and protected as a world heritage site.
stages, with stones of different origins, associated with ritual practices and astronomical orientations, part of a large ritual landscape and protected as a world heritage site.
