Diving Deep into Stonehenge: The Megalithic Puzzle

In the heart of England’s lush countryside lies Stonehenge, a megalith that has intrigued and mystified generations. This prehistoric monument is a testament to the timeless mysteries of our ancient past that remind us of the architectural prowess of our ancestors.

Join us on a journey through time as we solve the Stonehenge megalithic puzzle, a towering stone ring where history meets architectural excellence.

What is Stonehenge

In Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic monument that dates back to the Neolithic period (between 5000 BEC and 2000 BEC). It comprises two parts:

• Outer Ring: The outer ring of Stonehenge consists of an outer ring of vertical sarsen standing stones (silicified sandstone blocks), each with a height of around 13 feet, width of seven feet, and weight of about 25 tons. The massive standing stones set in circular patterns have cemented the iconic status of the monument, inviting tourists to flock to the site. The outer ring stands upright and encircles the inner structure.
• Inner Structure: At the center of the outer ring of Stonehenge stands a trilithon. It’s a horseshoe-shaped structure with two vertical sarsen stones supporting a horizontal lintel atop, held together uniquely with mortise and tenon join. You can also see bluestones embellished in the center structure.

Did you know that the builders quarried some of these stones from locations such as the Marlborough Downs and the Preseli Hills in Wales? These massive stones are thought to be transported to the site using rollers, sleds, river transport, etc. However, the determination of the exact process of transportation is yet to be discovered, hence a subject of debate. Still, the transportation of these massive stones to the site, possibly undertaken using sleds, rollers, and river transport, remains a subject of scholarly debate.

The massive standing stones set in circular and horseshoe-shaped patterns have cemented the iconic status of the monument, evoking tourists to flock to the site.

This towering structure is a megalith – a stone-made, large structure where no mortar or building materials are used. 

How our ancestors brought this stupendous architectural masterpiece to life is still a mystery and under study.

What Happened to the Missing Stones

The Stonehenge megalith, the silent sentinel of time, had a total of 160 stones. However, due to various historical reasons, human intervention, or natural changes over time, many of these stones are missing.

Alignment of Stonehenge

The alignment is one of the key aspects of the monument that indicates it might be built based on a distinct celestial event. According to studies, the alignment of Stonehenge is highly influenced by the movement of the sun and the moon and is placed in a way that it can interact with astronomical events.

For example, on the summer solstice, the monument faces the sunrise, indicating the longest day of the year.

On this day, the sun rises over the Heel Stone outside the sarsen stone circle, connecting the monument with the solar event. For visitors, this alignment creates an enchanting visual.

On the other hand, during the winter solstice, you will see the axes of the structure align with the sunset position.

This alignment of the stones demonstrates the critical role the monument played in astronomical observations, allowing our ancestors to track the movement of the sun and the moon all over the year.

Significance

The purpose behind the ancient inhabitants of the British Isles building this structure has long been debated, with theories pointing to religious, ceremonial, astronomical, and burial functions. We have already discussed the significance of the alignment of the monument. Let’s go through the other purposes of this structure:

• Ceremonial and Ritual Site: Like other megaliths, ancient people of the British Isles used Stonehenge as a ceremonial and ritual site. They used to gather there for ceremonies, religious practices, and even funerals. How the structure is aligned with astronomical events is a testament to the spirituality of the people of that time.
• Cultural Symbol: It’s a symbol of ancient civilisation, culture, and ingenuity, shrouding the enigma of prehistoric culture. This stupendous monument, with its allure, has been evoking artists for centuries. of people worldwide and inspired artistic, literary, and cultural interpretations.
• Tourist Attraction: Stonehenge has long been an attractive tourist site. The striking visual its alignment creates, its historical significance, and its archaeological enigma attracts tourists worldwide.
• Archaeological Research: research is still ongoing on the different aspects of Stonehenge, its construction process, cultural significance, and alignment with celestial events.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Stonehenge, Avebury, and Associated Sites was listed on the World Heritage Site List in 1986. It was one of the first seven sites to be nominated for WHS by the UK. For its enduring enigma and magnetic allure, UNESCO has acknowledged this mystical stone of ages as a World Heritage Site, marking the importance of protecting and preserving it for the forthcoming generation.