Scientists have solved the 5,000-year-old mystery of Stonehenge, revealing the true purpose behind the construction of the monument.
For over 5,000 years, Stonehenge has fascinated people around the world.
This ancient stone circle in Wiltshire, England, has been a source of mystery and debate among historians and archaeologists.
Recently, a group of scientists has made significant discoveries that shed light on why this iconic monument was built.
The purpose of Stonehenge
Scientists from University College London and Aberystwyth University have proposed a new theory about Stonehenge.
They believe that it was created as a symbol of unity among different regions of Britain.
The researchers suggest that people from Wales and Scotland brought their local stones to contribute to the construction of Stonehenge.
This act was more than just a building project; it was a way to connect communities and promote a sense of belonging.
The study indicates that the stones used in Stonehenge came from distant places.
For example, some stones were transported from southwest Wales, while others were sourced from northeast Scotland.
This diversity of materials supports the idea that Stonehenge served as a powerful symbol of early British unity.
A monument of collaboration
The researchers explain that bringing these stones together was a significant effort.
It showed that people from different parts of Britain were willing to work together.
Professor Mike Parker Pearson, the lead author of the study, noted that the construction of Stonehenge represented a monumental expression of unity.
It connected people, land, ancestors, and the cosmos.
They add: ‘Bringing together these extraordinary and alien rocks… symbolised and embodied far and distant communities within a complex material.
‘[Stonehenge was a] monumental expression of unity between people, land, ancestors and the heavens.’
The study highlights that Stonehenge may have had both political and religious significance.
The unique combination of stones from various regions suggests that it played a role in fostering relationships among different communities.
The researchers argue that this collaboration was an early attempt to create a shared identity across Britain.
‘The fact that all of its stones originated from distant regions, making it unique among over 900 stone circles in Britain, suggests that the stone circle may have had a political as well as a religious purpose,’ said lead author Professor Mike Parker Pearson at UCL’s Institute of Archaeology.
The transport of stones
One of the intriguing aspects of Stonehenge is how the massive stones were moved to the site.
While the local sarsen stones were relatively easy to transport, the bluestones from Wales and the Altar Stone from Scotland posed significant challenges.
The journey for these stones could have involved various methods, including using logs to roll them along the ground or transporting them by boat.
The Altar Stone, weighing six tonnes and measuring five meters long, is particularly noteworthy.
It was found to have originated from the Orcadian Basin in Scotland, nearly 1,000 kilometers away.
This distance showcases the remarkable effort that ancient peoples made to bring these stones to Wiltshire.
Strong connections existed between ancient communities across regions.
The new findings also suggest that there were strong connections between communities.
Archaeological evidence shows similar house designs between Stonehenge and northern Scotland.
This connection further supports the idea that Stonehenge acted as a meeting point for people from different regions.
The research indicates that Stonehenge served as a cremation cemetery for many who lived far from Salisbury Plain.
People from different regions traveled to the site, emphasizing its cultural and spiritual significance.
Archaeologists found similar house designs near Stonehenge and in northern Scotland.
Every year, thousands of people visit Stonehenge, especially during the winter and summer solstices.
These gatherings celebrate ancient traditions and mark the changing of the seasons.
The stone alignment with the sun shows the site was designed to connect with celestial events.
The researchers believe that Stonehenge was not just a place for rituals but also a demonstration of the importance of community and shared beliefs.
It symbolized the deep connections that people had with each other and the world around them.