stonehenge - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It is estimated to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC.
- 2. The monument consists of a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weighing around 25 tons.
- 3. The purpose of Stonehenge is still a subject of debate among archaeologists and historians. Some believe it was used as a religious site, while others suggest it may have served as an astronomical observatory.
- 4. Stonehenge is aligned with the solstices, with the axis of the monument pointing towards the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset.
- 5. The stones used to build Stonehenge are believed to have been transported from quarries located over 150 miles away. The method of transportation and construction of the monument remains a mystery.
- 6. Stonehenge underwent several phases of construction and modification over the centuries, with the earliest known structures dating back to around 3100 BC.
- 7. The largest stones at Stonehenge, known as sarsens, are believed to have been erected around 2500 BC. They are thought to have been brought from Marlborough Downs, about 20 miles away.
- 8. Stonehenge was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
- 9. Stonehenge attracts over a million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.
- 10. Various theories and legends surround Stonehenge, including speculation about its connection to druids, aliens, and mystical energies. Despite the mystery that shrouds its origins, Stonehenge continues to captivate and intrigue visitors from around the world.