There are many theories behind why Stonehenge was built, but a main component is the application that it has to astronomy. One of the theories believes that Stonehenge is an astronomical calculator or calendar. One thing is however evident, it was no accident; every stone was placed strategically and purposefully. No one is completely certain who built Stonehenge, but it was erected in Wiltshire, England approximately 4,500 years ago. It is carefully aligned so that, if one sits at the center, one has a clear view of the summer-solstice sun rising over the heel stone. It is amazing what early astronomers were able to accomplish without modern technology.
It was in the 18th century that the antiquarian William Stukeley (re)discovered the axial alignment of Stonehenge upon a …show more content…
But the smaller Bluestones were investigated and shown that they are only found 200 miles away in S.W. Wales. A question that comes to mind is the ease or lack thereof trying to transport such heavy stones such a great distance over water. The recent discovery of an ancient boat made from a log carrying quarried stones pointed to the answer of that particular issue. If you have several of those boats tethered together and covered with a platform, it was possible to transport the Bluestones. Investigators also had to use substantial manpower and simple wooden scaffolding that was similar to the technology available at the time to erect Stonehenge.
Although there was a particular type of stone used, there were different styles of stone as well. The most well-known stone at Stonehenge is called the Heel Stone, the stone that stands at Stonehenge’s entrance and weighs 35 tons. Formerly known as Friar’s Heel, it is also known as “Sun Day.” The Heel Stone is one of the few Stonehenge stones that was left un manipulated when it was put into
It was in the 18th century that the antiquarian William Stukeley (re)discovered the axial alignment of Stonehenge upon a …show more content…
But the smaller Bluestones were investigated and shown that they are only found 200 miles away in S.W. Wales. A question that comes to mind is the ease or lack thereof trying to transport such heavy stones such a great distance over water. The recent discovery of an ancient boat made from a log carrying quarried stones pointed to the answer of that particular issue. If you have several of those boats tethered together and covered with a platform, it was possible to transport the Bluestones. Investigators also had to use substantial manpower and simple wooden scaffolding that was similar to the technology available at the time to erect Stonehenge.
Although there was a particular type of stone used, there were different styles of stone as well. The most well-known stone at Stonehenge is called the Heel Stone, the stone that stands at Stonehenge’s entrance and weighs 35 tons. Formerly known as Friar’s Heel, it is also known as “Sun Day.” The Heel Stone is one of the few Stonehenge stones that was left un manipulated when it was put into