stonehenge Photos

STONEHENGE is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world. It is probably the most famous megalithic monument in the world. It is the most sophisticated prehistoric circle in the world. It is also England’s largest ancient temple. Dating from 3100-1600 BC, Stonehenge was from its beginnings until it was abandoned, Britain’s most important temple.

Since the twelth century, when the chroniclers mention it as one of the wonders of the world, Stonehenge has inspired people, becoming subject of studies, interpretations and speculations regarding its origins, astronomical meaning and ceremonial rituals in the Neolithic times. Among the eroneous theories about Stonehenge is the one refering to its Druid origins. This theory was formulated in the 17th-18th centuries by William Stukeley (1687-1765). Recognizing it as a temple and dating it before the Romans’ arrival in Britannia, Stukeley associated the temple with Druid practices, as described by Roman authors. However, his theory was mistaken, as Druids appeared over one thousand years after Stonehenge was abandoned.

With its sophisticated concentric architectural design, the precision of solar alignments , the unique design of using and polishing two different types of stone and the impressive distance from which the massive stones were carried (up to 240 km), Stonehenge is proof of the creativity and ability of prehistoric man to design and build complex monuments of large dimensions. This is evidence of the level of development in astronomy, technology and architecture reached by man even in prehistory. The monument testifies to Neolithic and Bronze Age funeral and other rituals.