By hantu 
World-News-Tw – Rising from the windswept landscape of Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge stands as one of humanity’s greatest enigmas. For thousands of years, this iconic ring of megalithic stones has captivated the imagination, drawing millions of visitors annually to ponder its origin, purpose, and the secrets hidden within its massive, weathered pillars. How was it built? Why was it created? And most intriguingly—what does Stonehenge still have to reveal to us today?
Prepare to journey into the heart of one of the world’s oldest mysteries as we uncover the strange, fascinating, and sometimes eerie truths behind Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain.
A Monument Shrouded in Mystery
Stonehenge is no ordinary ancient structure. Estimated to be over 5,000 years old, it predates the Egyptian pyramids and has long been a source of wonder and speculation. Located in Wiltshire, England, this prehistoric stone circle stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of ancient civilizations.
- Megalithic Marvel: The massive stones, some weighing up to 25 tons, were transported from as far as 150 miles away—a feat that continues to baffle historians and engineers alike.
- Celestial Calendar: Many believe Stonehenge was built to track celestial events, with perfect alignment to the solstices. On June 21st and December 21st, the sun rises and sets in precise alignment with the monument’s central axis.
- Spiritual Significance: Others suggest Stonehenge served as a sacred site for rituals, ceremonies, and even burials, as human remains have been found in and around the area.
How Was Stonehenge Built?
One of the most debated aspects of Stonehenge is the sheer engineering marvel required to construct it. In an age devoid of machinery, how did Neolithic builders transport and position these immense stones with such precision?
- The Sarsen Stones: The largest stones, known as Sarsens, originate from Marlborough Downs, approximately 20 miles north of the site. These stones were likely dragged using sledges and wooden rollers.
- Bluestones’ Journey: The smaller stones, called Bluestones, hail from the Preseli Hills in Wales—an astonishing 150 miles away. Some theories suggest these stones were transported by water along rivers and then hauled overland.
- Labor of Generations: Building Stonehenge wasn’t a short project. Archaeologists estimate that construction occurred in multiple phases over 1,000 years, involving generations of workers.
The Purpose: Theories and Speculation
The true purpose of Stonehenge has eluded experts for centuries, but that hasn’t stopped the development of bold theories and speculative ideas.
- Ancient Observatory: One prevailing belief is that Stonehenge functioned as an astronomical observatory. Its alignment with the summer and winter solstices suggests it may have been used to predict eclipses, solstices, and equinoxes.
- Healing Temple: Some scholars believe that Stonehenge was a place of healing, akin to a prehistoric Lourdes. The discovery of human remains with signs of trauma or illness has led to speculation that ancient people traveled there seeking cures.
- Burial Ground: Excavations have revealed numerous cremation burials at Stonehenge, hinting that it could have served as a sacred cemetery for elite members of society.
- Druid Connection: Although modern Druidry is a more recent spiritual practice, legends connect Stonehenge to ancient Druids, suggesting that rituals and ceremonies took place among the stones.
Stonehenge in Modern Times
Today, Stonehenge continues to attract tourists, archaeologists, and spiritual seekers from around the world. Despite extensive study, its mysteries persist, making it one of the most intriguing archaeological sites on the planet.
- World Heritage Site: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge is protected as part of a broader landscape filled with burial mounds, ancient paths, and other Neolithic structures.
- Summer and Winter Solstice Celebrations: Thousands of visitors gather at Stonehenge during the solstices, participating in modern-day rituals and celebrations that echo the spiritual traditions of the past.
- Technological Advances: Recent advancements in ground-penetrating radar and archaeological technology have uncovered hidden features beneath the plain, suggesting that Stonehenge may have once been part of a much larger, sprawling ceremonial complex.
The Latest Discoveries
Despite being one of the most studied monuments in the world, Stonehenge continues to surprise archaeologists.
- Underground Structures: In 2020, archaeologists discovered large pits and hidden circular formations surrounding Stonehenge, indicating that the site’s influence stretched much farther than previously believed.
- Nearby Monuments: The discovery of Woodhenge, a timber structure believed to have mirrored Stonehenge’s layout, suggests that the region was a vast interconnected spiritual landscape.
- Buried Artifacts: Tools, pottery, and even ancient daggers unearthed near the site provide insights into the people who constructed and used Stonehenge.
The Legacy of Stonehenge
The allure of Stonehenge lies not only in its stone pillars but in the questions it raises. Why did ancient people dedicate so much time and effort to its construction? How did they possess such advanced knowledge of astronomy and engineering? These questions, and the ongoing search for answers, keep Stonehenge alive in our collective imagination.
As we continue to unlock the secrets of this mysterious site, Stonehenge remains a bridge between the ancient and the modern—an enduring symbol of humanity’s quest for meaning, connection, and transcendence.
Whether viewed as a marvel of engineering, a spiritual haven, or an ancient calendar, Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain will forever stand as a testament to the ingenuity and mystery of our ancestors.
Reference : https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20170713-why-stonehenge-was-built