Stonehenge
Jack V.
Location
Stonehenge
History
The first construction of Stonehenge began approximately 3000 BCE and has been modified over time. Scientists believe that different tribes may have worked on it at different points in time. The latest change known to it other than our modern day preservation of it happened around 400AC. The monument was made in four phases over the course of an estimated 3500 years. Scientists claim that it would take a calculated 30 million hours of labour to complete. The rocks that make up this formation were relocated as far as 240 miles from the Preseli Hills in Wales England. These rocks where the smaller blue stones that make up the inner ring. The blue stones were dragged by rope and where floated down Milford Haven waterway on rafts. The big stones around the outer ring were relocated from Marlborough England and dragged with rope 25 miles.
There is much speculation of the role this monument played throughout the ages.
Theorists have came up with many theories and scientists have been trying to answer the question, "why was it made?" Some believe the stones were arranged in a certain way to chart the sun. Others believe it was a place for religious ceremonies and events. The only hard evidence collected on the reason of building this monstrous rock formation hints to it being used as a burial site. Scientists have found cremated human bone particle in the henge mixed with the dirt below the boulders. But without further evidence, as of right now no one knows why Stonehenge was built.
Preseli Hill
Milford Haven waterway
Sun Chart
Sacredness
Who built the Stonehenge and who worshipped it is also a mystery. Scholars and theorists also have a long list of thoughts on who built it. Scholars have believed the monument was created by the Celts or the Druids as well as many more groups like the Saxons. But through radiocarbon dating scientist have figured that Stonehenge dates before any of these groups.
Today the modern people of the world consider this place sacred due to its mystery of existence. Each year an estimated 800,000 tourists come to see this sacred place. So it is especially sacred to England who benefits from it the most.
Fun Facts
The reason Stonehenge is sacred is because little is known about this place and through thorough inquire it's origins are still a mystery. This feat of nature was created without a trace from the creators and that sparks curiosity and search for the truth in people makes this monument so famous and sacred.
Works Cited
The Arthurian Encyclopedia, Peter Bedrick Books, Geoffrey Ashe. “Stonehenge.” Brittannia. N.p., 1996. Web. 3 Feb. 2016. <http://www.britannia.com/history/h7.html>.
“The Big Study.” Blogspot. The Professor, 22 Mar. 2012. Web. 2 Mar. 2016.
“King Arthur(Mythology).” Wikia. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2016. <http://villains.wikia.com/wiki/King_Arthur_(mythology)>.
“Milford Haven.” Ports and Harbours of the UK. Duncan Mackintosh, n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2016. <http://www.ports.org.uk/port.asp?id=241>.
“The Preseli Mountains in Pembrokeshire, Wales.” Pembrokeshire. Pembrokeshire County Council, 2014. Web. 2 Mar. 2016. <http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/explore-pembrokeshire/preseli-mountains/>.
Sowden, Mike. “8 tourist traps that are still worth visiting.” CNN. CNN, 1 May 2014. Web. 2 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/30/travel/tourist-traps-worth-visiting/>.
“Stonehenge.” History. A+E Television, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2016. <http://www.history.com/topics/british-history/stonehenge>. picture of stonehenge
“Stonehenge.” History.com. A+E Television Networks, 2016. Web. 8 Feb. 2016. <http://www.history.com/topics/british-history/stonehenge>.
“Stonehenge.” Stonehenge.co. N.p., 4 Feb. 2016. Web. 4 Feb. 2016. <http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/about.php>.
“Stonehenge location and Map.” About Stonehenge Info. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2016. <http://www.aboutstonehenge.info/index.php?pg=stonehenge-location>. map of Stonehenge
“Sun-path-polar-chart.svg.” wikimedia Commons. Wikimedia Commons, 14 Dec. 2012. Web. 2 Mar. 2016. <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sun-path-polar-chart.svg>.