Stonehenge
The
Stones Ley
Lines Pictures
The
Stones
Stonehenge
seems to have been constructed in three phases, covering the period
from 2200BC to 1200BC. It was a magnificent feat of megalithic
engineering. The gigantic Sarcen stones, great sandstone boulders
arranged like doorways and capped with stone lintels, weigh up to 5o
tons and were dragged to the site from the Marlborough Downs 30km (20
miles) to the north, in a time when wheeled vehicles were unknown. The
bluestones forming the smaller pillars came from Prescelly in South
West Wales, over 161km (100 miles) away.
The 'how' of Stonehenge construction is intriguing enough, but the
important question is why the prehistoric builders should labor for
centuries to build such an awe inspiring monument. As far back as the
18th century Stonehenge investigators realized that the stones of
Stonehenge are aligned to the midsummer sunrise.
From the center of the circle, facing out through one of the massive
arches, to the ceremonial entrance, it is possible to see the sun rise
directly over the great pillar known as the Heel Stone.
Detailed analysis has shown a whole series of astronomical alignments
which would explain why Stonehenge was built in this precise spot,
regardless of the problems posed by bringing stones from distant
quarries.
Many experts now believe that Stonehenge was an astronomical
observatory, built under the instructions of astronomer-priests who
used it to chart the movements of the celestial bodies and draw up a
calendar for planting, harvesting and breeding cattle. If the sun and
moon were regarded as gods, this would explain the grandeur of a
structure that could have served as a religious center, a place of
worship and ritual. Cremated human remains have been found at the
site, which might indicate human sacrifice, or possibly the funeral
rites of revered leaders.
