Theories about Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most famous ancient monuments in the world. Located in England, this group of large standing stones has puzzled people for centuries. Many wonder how it was built and why it was placed there.

Theories about Stonehenge come from many different areas. Scholars in archaeology study the stones and surrounding earthworks to understand its history and purpose. Others look to mythology for explanations, finding stories and legends that might explain its creation. Some people even explore ideas from the paranormal, suggesting mysterious or supernatural causes.

Because of its age and mystery, Stonehenge continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. It stands as a reminder of how much we still have to learn about the past.

Early theories

Many early historians used stories and myths to explain Stonehenge. Some tales said the wizard Merlin had magic stones brought from Ireland to create the site. Others thought the Devil was responsible.

In the 1100s, writers like Henry of Huntingdon and Geoffrey of Monmouth shared imaginative stories connecting Stonehenge to Merlin and ancient kings. Later, in 1655, some believed it was a Roman temple built by soldiers from far away. For a long time, people thought groups like the Danes might have built it.

Druids and scientific evidence

The first academic effort to study Stonehenge was made around 1640 by John Aubrey, who believed it was built by the Druids. This idea was later popularized by William Stukeley. In 1740, John Wood, the Elder conducted the first accurate survey of the site.

Radiocarbon dating shows that Stonehenge was built between 3100 BC and 1600 BC. This helps rule out some theories. The Druids could not have built it because they appeared much later, around 300 BC. Also, the Romans did not arrive in the British Isles until 55 BC, so Stonehenge could not have been a Roman temple, as suggested by Inigo Jones.

Early references to Stonehenge

The ancient Greek writer Diodorus Siculus may have mentioned Stonehenge in his work called Bibliotheca historica. He talked about a faraway island called Hyperborea, where people worshiped Apollo. Some believe this island might have been Great Britain, and the temple Diodorus described could be an early reference to Stonehenge.

Experts like Christopher Chippindale and Aubrey Burl think this description doesn’t quite match Stonehenge. They point out that Diodorus said the Sun and Moon appeared very low in the sky, which isn’t true for the area where Stonehenge is located.

The bluestones

Main article: Bluestone

Many ideas exist about the bluestones at Stonehenge. Some believe they came from places like the Preseli Hills and were moved to Stonehenge to show strength or unite different groups. Others think natural forces like glaciers may have carried some stones part of the way before people brought them to the site.

Recent studies suggest the bluestones came from specific areas in Wales. Researchers found evidence that people used these stones to build a smaller circle before moving them to Stonehenge. This shows that the stones had special meaning and were carefully chosen and moved over many years.

Stonehenge as part of a ritual landscape

Many archaeologists believe Stonehenge was built as a permanent stone version of wooden structures that existed nearby, such as those at Durrington Walls. They suggest that Stonehenge was part of a special journey for treating the dead, starting at sunrise in the east and ending at sunset in the west. This journey from wood to stone may have symbolized a move from life to death.

The site might have also held special astrological or spiritual meaning. Some think the stones were arranged to represent important family lines or meeting places, bringing together different groups of people. The natural alignment of nearby hills with the sunrise and sunset may have also added to the site's importance.

Construction techniques and design

The stones at Stonehenge show mirrored symmetry and align with the solstices, suggesting the monument was designed using a precise geometric plan before construction began. Experts believe the builders used survey markers placed outside the stone layout to guide the placement of each stone.

Many ideas exist about how the stones were moved and placed. Some think the bluestones were carried from Wales using timber and rope. Experiments show moving large stones this way would have been very difficult. Other ideas include using wooden tracks with ball bearings, submerging stones in water for easier transport, or using timber A-frames and ropes to lift the stones into place. These methods show it would have taken a lot of effort and coordination, with estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands of years of work.

Ley lines

British author John Michell suggested that ley lines, straight paths connecting important places, might align with Stonehenge and other traditional sacred sites in Britain. He noted that Stonehenge and Llantwit Major are about the same distance from Glastonbury, forming interesting patterns on a map. However, many experts question these ideas, especially since Glastonbury Abbey was built long after Stonehenge. Some also believe the ancient stories Michell used actually refer to a nearby village called Amesbury instead of Stonehenge.