Archaeologists still work to unravel the complete mystery behind the huge stone structure. What more can be expected to be found? Some theories about the purpose of Stonehenge are: a temple, observatory, calendar, a site for fairs or ritual feasting, or a centre for healing. Another mystery of Stonehenge is how some of its stones were brought from Pembrokeshire in Wales to Wiltshire.
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Interpretations of the past are subject to change in response to new evidence. Many great discoveries have come as a result of new researches based on new perspectives: Stonehenge is an good example of this. If there were a common accepted view of history that never changed, there would be no need to research it further. Several kind of researcers are motivated by a genuine desire to educate and to correct history. Curiousity brings new knowlegde to us so more pieces can be added to the puzzle of history. New discoveries also revitalise the history and make historical sites more attractive to visit.
I explored Stonehenge for over 10 years ago. The information I got then is now revised .....On Sunday 7th April 2002 I stood up early in the morning and took my way out to the beautiful English countryside. My target was to experience the presence of the mentioned large circular earthwork. I approached the World Heritage Site, called Stonehenge, from the Westside as the rest of the visitors, eager to take a circuit. It was beauty is in seeing, but it had even more to offer.
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, about 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Amesbury and 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury. Stonehenge is the remains of a ring of standing stones set within earthworks. It is in the middle of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, including several hundred burial mounds.
Based on sources as websites of Wikipedia, BBC, The Guardian and English Heritage sites (from October 2012 to March 2014):
- Stonehenge may have been used as a giant musical instrument, according to a study. Researchers from the Royal College of Art discovered that the central Blue Stones, which originated in South Wales, had musical tones when struck.The theory could explain why the stones were arranged in a circle - so the sound would resonate. Paul Devereux, who part led the study, told BBC Radio 5 live's Drive: "We do know such rocks were deemed very important in other parts of the ancient world."
- Stonehenge may have been burial site for Stone Age elite, say archaeologists. Dating cremated bone fragments of men, women and children found at site puts origin of first circle back 500 years to 3,000BC
- Stonehenge was built on solstice axis. Dig confirms English Heritage excavations show site has nothing to do with sun worshipping, and find evidence circle was once complete. It holds the view that Stonehenge was built as a temple aligned with the movements of the sun. Archeologists found ridges, formed by Ice Age meltwater, that align Stonehenge with the solstice axis. English Heritage says the discovery of manmade ditches along the ancient processional route to Stonehenge is a "missing piece in the jigsaw" in our understanding of England's greatest prehistoric site.
- Digital laser scan reveals secrets of the past. The first complete 3D laser scan of the stone circle has also revealed tool marks made 4,500 years ago, scores of little axehead graffiti added when the enormous slabs were already 1,000 years old, and damage and graffiti contributed by Georgian and Victorian visitors. It also confirms the importance of the prehistoric monument's alignment on the winter and summer solstice.
Still has not the big mystery been completely solved: Origion of the people who started the construction? Clues after transporting of the stones? What more can be expected to be found to add the remaining pieces to the historical puzzle?
Actual is investigation of new possibilities, enlarges its perspectives and enriches its insights in a never ending story. I believe that prevalent theories and mindsets often distort what may be the truth regarding history and science, especially when it comes to Stonehenge.
My fascination for this huge ancient wonder have been strong long before I went there, and I still believe that there are several missing pieces in the historic puzzle here. Therefore I now wanted to update myself again about eventually new discoveries, so I made recently a quick (re)search on Internet. There I found several attempts to open the door to a new understanding of the past, and hopefully understand better who we are, where we come from, and our potential.
And what about our potential today? What can we be able to do if humans for 4000-5000 years ago were both able to cut out such huge stones, shape them, transport them over a long distance and even construct such a amazing building work? I am sure we have some missing knowlegde from past which could be usefull today. Time will show!
Stein Morten Lund, 24th June 2014
Addtional information
Stonehenge was constructed by prehistoric worshippers beginning about 5,000 years ago. Some of the sandstone slabs at Stonehenge weigh upwards of 40 tons (36 metric tons). They were transported over a distance of more than 18 miles (30 kilometers) and were erected upright. I just wonder: would somebody been able to do this today?
According to National Geographic, 20th June 2014: Thousands of people flock to Stonehenge each year to celebrate the summer solstice. Most arrive under the cover of darkness, hoping to witness the sun rising along a plane that stretches from the central Altar Stone through the Slaughter and Heel Stones.
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