Stonehenge
The prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, whose construction, astronomical alignments, and purpose remain subjects of debate despite centuries of study.
INVESTIGATION OVERVIEW
Stonehenge is a Neolithic and Bronze Age monument built in stages between 3000 and 1500 BCE. The monument consists of a circular setting of large standing stones, each weighing up to 30 tons, with smaller bluestones weighing 4 tons that were transported from Wales, 150 miles away. The monument is aligned with the summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset. Theories about its purpose include religious temple, astronomical observatory, burial ground (over 200 cremations found), healing site, and territorial marker. The mystery of how the stones were transported and erected continues to generate alternative theories including lost technology and extraterrestrial assistance.
KEY CLAIMS
The bluestones were transported 150 miles from Wales, potentially using methods now lost
Stonehenge is aligned with the summer solstice sunrise, demonstrating astronomical knowledge
The monument served as a healing site (based on burials showing signs of illness/injury)
The stones were erected using techniques that would be difficult to replicate today
The construction techniques required knowledge of geometry and engineering not expected of the era
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
Radiocarbon dating establishes the construction phases between 3000 and 1500 BCE
Excavations have identified the exact source of the bluestones in the Preseli Hills, Wales
The solstice alignment is precise and intentional based on the monument's geometry
Cremated remains found at the site suggest a consistent burial function across centuries
Experimental archaeology has demonstrated some possible transportation methods (water, rollers)
COUNTER ARGUMENTS
The bluestone transportation method is not a mystery: water, sledges, and rollers are documented
Many Neolithic monuments have astronomical alignments; Stonehenge's is not uniquely precise
The healing theory is one of several competing hypotheses
Experimental archaeology has shown the stones can be moved and erected with Neolithic technology
The astronomical knowledge required is consistent with other contemporary monuments
TIMELINE
First phase: circular ditch and bank constructed
Bluestones transported from Wales; sarsen circle erected
Final phase of construction
Major restoration and re-erection of fallen stones
KEY FIGURES
Mike Parker Pearson
Leading archaeologist of Stonehenge
William Hawley
Early 20th-century excavator of the site
ORGANIZATIONS
English Heritage
Government
Stonehenge Riverside Project
Archaeological Research
SOURCES
RELATED ENTITIES
PEOPLE
Mike Parker Pearson
William Hawley
ORGANIZATIONS
English Heritage
Stonehenge Riverside Project
EVENTS
First phase: circular ditch and bank constructed
3000 BCE
Bluestones transported from Wales; sarsen circle erected
2500 BCE
Final phase of construction
1500 BCE
Major restoration and re-erection of fallen stones
1901–1964