Henge

The henges are similar in appearance, built around the construction of Stonehenge and they even they even share similar astronomical alignments. Could there be a connection between Stonehenge, surrounding henges and astronomy? The astronomical significance of Stonehenge was further reinforced by groups of archaeologists surveying approximately 900 other stone circles beside the site and they detected ‘more astronomical alignments as the circumference of surveys became gradually of a closer proximity to Stonehenge' (Hill "Stonehenge" 2008). Provided each stone circle forms astronomical alignments, we can be convinced that astronomy was of definite significance to the people during the construction. Furthermore, most henges were constructed in a similar period to the others (Bradshaw Foundation 2016), indicating that a large demographic used astronomy to perform such rituals at the time. Since the application of astronomy in their religion was so popular, it is credible to predict the purpose of Stonehenge having some association with astronomy. Provided each of the prehistoric monuments are henges, historians (Archaeoastronomy at Stonehenge 2016) suggest that the constructors may have been similar to that of Stonehenge. As the constructors also used alike formats, we can assume that the continuous…

It will not say anything about the kind of person I was or the kind of life I led. The form and decoration used for the tomb will not be meant to communicate a specific message that is meant to be left behind. It will have one message displayed for the entire memorial which will be, “It has been said, ‘time heals all woulds.’ I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pains lessens, But it is never gone.” This will be…

Over the years, as humans we have constantly built monuments and structures with different purposes. I am going to concentrate on why monuments such as Stonehenge and Avebury may have been built, and how they may have been used in the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, when these monuments were often built in clusters of similar topographic location (Richards 1996, 190). I am going to explore the possibilities of their social, religious and scientific purpose. To do this, I will analyse a variety…

This also furthers the connection between the two henges. Further evidence for the sunset ceremonies is found in the large amount of animal bones found Woodhenge. Parker-Pearson believes that the excessive amount of bones is indicative of celebratory feasts. Lastly, Parker-Pearson has interpreted the ditches surrounding Stonehenge as a method of marking sacred ground. He hypothesizes that these ditches were made to ensure that people did not trespass. He associates this with a fear of the…

In this time the henge was built. The henge a ditch 2 meters deep and almost 110 meters in diameter. Inside the henge 56 pits were dug about 1 meter long each called Aubrey holes, named after the 17th century archaeologist from England who discovered them. Then commenced phase 2 100 – 200 years later. In this time, upright wooden posts were places in the center of the henge and near the two entrances. In 2nd phase it is believed that was used for burials. Evidence suggests that 25 or more of…

purposes. Stonehenge has been a mystery throughout history and theories continue to develop to this day. What is known is that Stonehenge was used as a burial site. There’s evidence of human remains tracing as far back as 3,000 BCE, the first stage of construction. The Aubrey Holes were pits in Stonehenge used as graves for cremated human remains ("Stonehenge." Britannica School). // // ///////. Some scholars propose that Stonehenge is associated with the Druids but radiocarbon shows that this…

Thus illuminating its inner chamber on the shortest day of the year. Most archaeologists believe that this is not a coincidence. A silver glow grows behind the silhouetted horizon an hour before sunrise, that special time when the Earth seems to hold her breath in anticipation of the sun. Visitors seem to also hold their breath in anticipation of and during such beauty, like it was meant for their pleasure, like Stonehenge was made for the sun. Some henges not including Stonehenge aren’t aligned…

construction of the monument over three phases. Archaeologists are still not sure what the main function of the Stonehenge was. There are debates on what the site function is, some believe it was an astronomy site, while others believe that is served as a cemetery for the ancestors. The Stonehenge was constructed over three phases. It is the earliest form of construction, which dates back to the early third millennium. This phase consisted of a ditch and banks, and some earthwork. The phase…

to be the main use of megalithic structures. The famous megalithic monument, Stonehenge, was also used as a burial ground for many years; more than 240 people were buried there. Stonehenge was not only a burial ground, but is one of the most well known megalithic monuments of today. Construction of the monument began around 3100 B.C. in Southern England and was finally ended around 1500 B.C. The monument can be broken up into three parts: Stonehenge I, II, and III. Stonehenge I consisted of…

begin winter in the northern hemisphere.” (Anonymous, Solstice, n.d.) The stopping or standing still of the sun. It usually is the longest day of the year when the sun is at its maximum elevation. (Anonymous, Summer Solstice, 2011) This date, among other things happening around that time, has had spiritual meaning for thousands of years as humans have been stunned by the great power of the sun. Pagans/Wiccans are in awe of the unbelievable strength of the sun and the divine powers that create…