When it comes to mysterious places on Earth, few can top the weird wonder that is Stonehenge. This ancient monument has been a source of fascination and debate for centuries. Who built it? Why did they build it? And perhaps most importantly, what is its purpose? Understanding this enigmatic site requires some background knowledge about the time and place in which these structures were built. Around 2500 BC, Neolithic people started building monuments across Britain with a focus on burial sites. These are known as the Megalithic Standing Stones because most of them are either single giant stones or arrangements of smaller rocks. There are currently around 1,300 recorded megalithic standing stones spread across England and Wales. Some have been excavated but there is still much we don’t know about these mysterious stone structures.
Plus they make pretty good dominoes….
There are many theories about who built Stonehenge, when they built it, and why. Theories range from these structures being built by priests, to being built by Druids, to even being built by aliens! We may never know the true story behind Stonehenge, but here are a few of the most popular theories.
- Ancient Religion - One of the most widely accepted theories is that the construction of megaliths was tied to ancient religions. These people believed the Earth was a living organism that needed to be appeased, so they built these massive structures to honour the Earth.
- Astronomy - Another interesting theory is that the people who built Stonehenge were astronomers studying the movement of the sun and moon. Some people believe these stones were used as a calendar to chart the movements of the sun and moon throughout the year.
- Tribute to a King - Others believe these structures were built as a tribute to a great king or ruler. They might have been built by his people as a sign of respect and to protect him in the afterlife.
If these structures were built as a sign of respect, to protect the dead, or to mark special occasions. If these people were astronomers or scientists, then the why for building these structures might be tied to their goals.
These might have been built to honour these great leaders and protect them in the afterlife. Others believe they were built as a place to celebrate important events.
Many people believe these structures were built as ways to protect the dead. While alive, the people who built these structures might have cared for the dead and buried them in their own special way. When they died, they were buried in a way that tied them to the land they loved and cared for. Others believe these structures were built as a way to track and study the movements of the sun and moon. They were used to track the seasons and the passage of time. Some believe they were built to commemorate special events like eclipses and the start of the new seasons. There are many theories about the purpose of Stonehenge, but it is impossible to know for sure. We do know that there is evidence of deposits containing human bone dating from as early as 3000 BC, when the ditch and bank were first dug and continued for at least another 500 years.
People still celebrate the Solstice today with druids and people gathering at Stonehenge at the summer and winter solstices to witness the pivotal changes in the movement of the sun, and to conduct rituals and ceremonies relating to the changing seasons, the sun and the sky.
Stonehenge is located in Amesbury, England near the city of Salisbury. It is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in a very popular tourist spot. There are many myths and legends surrounding this fascinating structure. Some believe it is a portal to the spirit world or that it is a place where alien technology is buried.
- Stonehenge Facts - Stonehenge was built during the Bronze Age and was used as a burial site and a religious site. It was used from around 3000 BC to 1100 BC. It is estimated that around 80 people were buried at Stonehenge.
It is a fascinating monument that has been debated by historians and scientists for centuries.
This artwork of the iconic mystical Stonehenge was created first as a sketch. It was then digitally transferred, DP and then printed via Giclee.
Available in new 8", 12” or 20” Giclee prints on 310gsm Hahnemühle German Etching (traditional mould-made copperplate printing paper).
Kirk Evans
'Stonehenge' was created on November 2nd 2022
- Limited to 50 copies
- Printed using Giclee and Hahnemühle German Etching 310 (gsm) paper for a superior handmade feel.
-Includes 1" border for mounting.