INTRODUCTION Over five thousand years old, Stonehenge is a fascinating representation of human capability at a time before widespread technology. One of the seven wonders of the medieval world, Stonehenge is among the most recognizable monuments of its era, alongside the Colosseum in Rome and the Great Wall of China. In this paper, we will discuss the people who erected the monument, why and how it was constructed, and its perceived relevance ever since.
WHO WERE THE PEOPLE THAT CONSTRUCTED STONEHENGE? Stonehenge is located just west of Amesbury, in the county of Wiltshire, England. Evidence shows that the builders of Stonehenge were not locals, but actually pilgrims from as far away as Wales and possibly Scotland. Ratios of strontium-86 …show more content…
Durrington Walls, just a couple kilometers east of Stonehenge, has been the location of an identified settlement dating to the monument’s main building phase, circa 2500 BC (Craig et al. 2015). Middens containing animal bones, broken ceramics, and other food-related items have indicated permanent habitation. Given the lack of evidence of occupation at Stonehenge, it is believed the builders likely resided at Durrington Walls during the second phase of development. The lack of burials at the Walls supports this hypothesis, strengthening the notion that they are part of a single complex (Craig et al. 2015). The ceramic vessels found can be correlated to their use based on their size and shape; not surprising according to Craig et al. (2015). Vessels used for porcine products (pigs) tended to be 2-3mm thicker than those used for dairy, while ruminant carcass fats (cattle, sheep, etc.) required pots of medium size. This evidence is consistent with the animal bones found on site; diets likely consisted mainly of cattle, pigs, and dairy, with very little plant-based consumption. While it is reasonable to assume this was common throughout the region, it is likely also reflective of the class and not necessarily true for all people (Craig et al.
WHO WERE THE PEOPLE THAT CONSTRUCTED STONEHENGE? Stonehenge is located just west of Amesbury, in the county of Wiltshire, England. Evidence shows that the builders of Stonehenge were not locals, but actually pilgrims from as far away as Wales and possibly Scotland. Ratios of strontium-86 …show more content…
Durrington Walls, just a couple kilometers east of Stonehenge, has been the location of an identified settlement dating to the monument’s main building phase, circa 2500 BC (Craig et al. 2015). Middens containing animal bones, broken ceramics, and other food-related items have indicated permanent habitation. Given the lack of evidence of occupation at Stonehenge, it is believed the builders likely resided at Durrington Walls during the second phase of development. The lack of burials at the Walls supports this hypothesis, strengthening the notion that they are part of a single complex (Craig et al. 2015). The ceramic vessels found can be correlated to their use based on their size and shape; not surprising according to Craig et al. (2015). Vessels used for porcine products (pigs) tended to be 2-3mm thicker than those used for dairy, while ruminant carcass fats (cattle, sheep, etc.) required pots of medium size. This evidence is consistent with the animal bones found on site; diets likely consisted mainly of cattle, pigs, and dairy, with very little plant-based consumption. While it is reasonable to assume this was common throughout the region, it is likely also reflective of the class and not necessarily true for all people (Craig et al.