Thousands of Years of UNESCO World Heritage: Stonehenge

Today, we want to take you to one of the most iconic structures of the prehistoric era, Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire, England. This impressive stone structure, which has fascinated humanity by preserving its mystery for thousands of years, is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, what makes it so mysterious and captivating? To understand this, we must first take a journey into the past of the region.

History of Stonehenge

Constructed in several phases, Stonehenge first appeared around 3000 BC as a large earthwork circle with wooden posts. Over time, these wooden posts were replaced by massive stone blocks. These stone blocks, weighing 25 tons and standing 4 meters tall, were transported from Marlborough Downs, 30 kilometers away. How this was achieved remains a mystery, which we will explore further when discussing the secrets of Stonehenge.

Architecture and Structure

The central structure consists of five pairs of trilithons arranged in a horseshoe shape, with a horizontal stone placed on top of these vertical stones. This central structure is surrounded by another circle of stones. Additionally, many burial sites have been discovered around the structure. There are serious claims that Stonehenge was used for astronomical and religious purposes, which we will discuss in more detail shortly.

Stonehenge in the Modern Era

Since 1986, Stonehenge has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes millions of visitors eager to witness thousands of years of history. Every day, busloads of people come here, especially on day trips from London. If you are considering a personal tour, we recommend purchasing your tickets online and visiting Stonehenge as early as possible to avoid long ticket lines.

The Mysteries of Stonehenge Megaliths

Stonehenge is not only one of England's but also the world's most famous prehistoric monuments. These massive stone structures, built thousands of years ago, harbor some of humanity's greatest mysteries. Let's explore the most intriguing aspects of Stonehenge and the secrets behind its megaliths.

1. The Source and Transportation of the Stones

The large stones used in Stonehenge (sarsen stones) weigh around 25 tons and stand 4 meters tall. It is believed they were brought from Marlborough Downs, about 30 kilometers away. The smaller "bluestones" were transported from the Preseli Hills, approximately 225 kilometers away. These distances create a great mystery about how the stones were moved and erected. Some theories suggest the stones were rolled on logs or transported via waterways, but the exact method remains unknown.

2. Construction Techniques

The techniques used in constructing Stonehenge are also a great curiosity. The stones were carefully shaped and placed tightly together. The placement of a horizontal stone on top of two vertical stones, known as trilithons, provides clues about the engineering knowledge of the time. The precise placement of the stones indicates advanced geometry and engineering skills among the people of that era.

3. Astronomical Alignment

One of the most fascinating features of Stonehenge is its astronomical alignments. During the summer solstice, the sunrise aligns with the main axis of the stones. Similarly, the sunset aligns with the stones during the winter solstice. Although the exact purpose of these alignments is still unknown, the strongest theory is that Stonehenge was used as a kind of astronomical observatory. Stonehenge continues to be a subject of many studies in the fields of engineering and astronomy even today.

4. Religious and Ceremonial Purposes

There are many theories suggesting that Stonehenge was used for religious and ceremonial purposes. Some archaeologists believe the structure served as a temple where religious rituals were performed. Additionally, the presence of graves and cremation remains around Stonehenge suggests it may have also served as a burial site. However, there is still insufficient evidence to confirm these theories.

5. Legends and Folktales

There are many legends and folktales about Stonehenge. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that Stonehenge was built by the wizard Merlin. Another legend suggests that the stones were brought from Ireland using magical powers. These stories enhance Stonehenge's mystery and capture people's imagination.

6. Modern Research and Technologies

Today, thanks to advancing technology, we have gained more information about Stonehenge. LIDAR scans, geophysical surveys, and archaeological excavations provide new clues about the structure and function of Stonehenge. For example, the recently discovered Durrington Walls nearby reveal a large settlement that might be connected to Stonehenge. Despite all this research, the full purpose and construction methods of Stonehenge remain a mystery.

Stonehenge has fascinated people for thousands of years, leaving many questions unanswered. The sources and transportation methods of the stones, construction techniques, astronomical alignments, and religious ceremonies are just a few of Stonehenge's mysteries. Although modern technologies and research continue to uncover new information every day, the secrets behind Stonehenge remain a great inspiration for history enthusiasts and scientists. This captivating structure continues to invite us to explore the mysteries lost in the depths of the past.