Ponder the mysteries of Stonehenge

ENGLAND // Beholding the familiar outline of Stonehenge erupting from Salisbury Plain is mind-bending - especially through a car windscreen from the A303. Ancient and modern Britain collide here, and it's gloriously confusing. How did the sarsen slabs and great bluestones get here, some all the way from Wales, 5000 years ago? Why are they arranged thus - is it a calendar, a cemetery, a place of healing? And how the hell did Neolithic people balance them like vast Jenga blocks? The quest to control and define such mysteries has persisted through the ages: 12th-century historian Geoffrey of Monmouth connected them with giants, New Age travellers claimed them for the people, and planners are currently seeking to build a road tunnel beneath them, to the dismay of archaeologists eager to find new structures in the soil. Find your own Stonehenge by exploring the site and visitor centre.

 

Why is Stonehenge so famous?

The World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, Avebury and associated sites is internationally important for its collection of outstanding prehistoric artefacts. Stonehenge is the most architecturally complex prehistoric stone circle in the world, while Avebury is the largest in the world.

Who built Stonehenge?

In the 17th century, archaeologist John Aubrey claimed that Stonehenge was the work of Celtic high priests known as Druids, a theory widely popularized by archaeologist William Stokely, who discovered primitive tombs at the site.
 

Is Stonehenge in England or Scotland?

Stonehenge is in England, specifically, in the county of Wiltshire, England.

How old is Stonehenge really?

It was built in several stages: the first monument was an Early Henge monument, built around 5000 years ago, and the unique stone circle was built in the late Neolithic period around 2500 BC. In the early Bronze Age, many tombs were built nearby.

What are 3 interesting facts about Stonehenge?

Interesting facts about Stonehenge
  • Stonehenge is nearly 5000 years old. ...
  • It was a 1500 year construction project. ...
  • Stones traveled from far and near to complete the monument.
  • Stonehenge was the cause of conflict in 1985. ...
  • Stonehenge is a collection of large ringed stones.

Is Stonehenge older than pyramids?

Estimated to have been built in 3100 BC, Stonehenge was 500 to 1000 years old before the first pyramid was built.