Stonehenge
Emily Theisen
What is Stonehenge?
History of the Stonehenge rocks
- The First Stage- The rocks were in a circle with a diameter of 284 feet. It is believed that during this stage the rocks were used for religious ceremonies. (3100 BC)
- The Second Stage- "The Arrival of the Bluestones" is what this stage is reffered to because blusestones were transported to the site. They used water and land to get the 4 ton rocks there.These new rocks formed a second circle inside of the first. (2150 BC)
- The Third Stage- At this stage, the sarsen stones were brought to the other rocks. They arranged the rocks in an outer circle with some in a horseshoe inside all of the other circles. We can still see the remains from this stage. (2000 BC)
- Final Stage- This is when the blusestones were rearranged bnto the horseshoe and circle that we see today. It is believed that there used to be about 60 rocks but many were broken down, so we see less today. (1500 BC)
Theories
- Some people believe that it was once an ancient hunting ground/ feast site. They think the rocks were put there to memorialize the animals from which the food came from.
- Another theory is that it was built to represent peace and unity. During the time period the rocks were put in place, it was a time of construction, so they could've been trying to reserve an area of land from construction.
- They have found that the rocks are aligned in a way that could be used as a calendar. During the winter solstice, the sunset is aligned with the rocks. During the summer solstice, the rocks are aligned with the sunrise.
- There is a legend that a piper would lure women to the site and the women would turn into rocks. The theory says that because of this, the rocks were there to block out sound so women wouldn't be tricked by the piper.
- Scientists have found bones in the rocks so it could've been an ancient burial site.
- Another theory is because of the sound they make when hit. If you were to hit one of the Stonehenge rocks, it would make a sound similar to a bell's. This could've been used for communication before telegrams and telephones.
- Another theory because of bone fragments in the rocks is a healing site or hospital.
- More unrealistic theories say that aliens visited the site and built Stonehenge with their futuristic technology.
- Also, there is an idea that Merlin, a wizard/magician, built it with the help of a giant.
Fun Fact #1
Fun Fact #2
Fun Fact #3
Research
- There have been other sites or evidence of sites around Stonehenge. For example, they've uncovered 17 new chapels and other forms of never before seen monuments like shrines and temples used for exclusive uses.
- They've also found other cities nearby proving that Stonehenge could've been part of a large community.
Bibliography
Works Cited
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Collins, Nick. "Stonehenge Was Product of First 'team Building Exercise'" The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.
Parry, By Wynne. "In Photos: A Walk Through Stonehenge." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 02 May 2012. Web. 09 Dec. 2015.
"Robin Heath: Stonehenge - The Marriage of the Sun and Moon." Tallblokes Talkshop. N.p., 09 Jan. 2015. Web. 09 Dec. 2015.
"Stonehenge: 7 Reasons the Mysterious Monument Was Built." LiveScience. N.p., n.d. Web.
"Stonehenge: Bring a Jumper If You Plan to Stick around." The Telegraph. N.p., n.d. Web.
"Stonehenge Researchers Discover Site Is Much Larger than Previously Thought." N.p., n.d. Web.
" ." Stonehenge.co.uk. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Dec. 2015.