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Stonehenge

The ancient ruin of Stonehenge is located three kilometres away from Amesbury in Southern England. It spreads over the Salisbury Plain. It is composed of wood, stone and earth, transformed and modified over more than fourteen centuries. In the 50s of the last century it was found that the structure has developed over three periods. The awe-inspiring structure dates as far back as three millenniums before Christ. The first part of the site was formed in approximately 2950 BC, consisting of a round bank and gully. The gully was probably dug with wooden tools. Inside the bank there is a circle of holes, which once held timber posts.

The second stage of development was marked around 2900 BCE. Over the next five centuries wooden constructions stood at the center of the shrine. The third phase consisted of several sub-phases. It spanned the period of 2500 - 1600 BCE. The most important additions of this period include circles of large stones, placed in particular locations. Two of these circles are the famous Sarsen and Trilithon. The outermost Sarsen ring originally consisted of 30 stones, but only 17 remain today. They weigh approximately 50 tons each. The diameter of this circle was 33 metres long. The height, width and thickness of the stones were around 4, 2, and 3 metres respectively, and they were around a metre apart on average. The name is derived because the stones had sarsen beams at the top originally. Today these sarsens are preserved on some stones. The Trilithon circle consists of ten stones in separate pairs with a horizontal beam. It is a smaller circle inside the Sarsen, shaped like a horseshoe. Both circles have a symmetrical design, with the tallest stones closer to the center. Bluestones were added during the third period of development as well. Bluestones cover a variety of plutonic rocks, such as volcanic ash, dolerites and some sandstones. The bluestone oval and bluestone circle were formed here. In time some stones from the oval split to form the bluestone horseshoe.

The stones used in the first circle of bluestones were very likely derived from the Prescelly Mountains, a full 200 miles away in Wales. Each stone weighs around 4 tons, and 80 total bluestones were used at the site. We can only imagine how difficult it was to move them in those prehistoric times. Today it is believed that they were moved by roller and sledge to Milford Haven, then by boat to present-day Somerset, then to Salisbury and finally to Amesbury.

The slaughter stone and heel stone were also added during the third phase. The slaughter stone stands at the entrance to the monument, and the heel stone, over 5 metres high, is surrounded by a ditch shaped like a circle. It is also known as the Altar stone. This national monument is a symbol of dedication and strength. There are many theories regarding the purpose it was meant to serve, but we can only guess as to its importance as we gaze upon the magnificent ruin. It is believed that Stonehenge was much bigger in the past, and a lot of the stones have eroded and fallen out of use since. Some attribute it to religious purposes, while others claim that it was a consecrated burial site. Yet another theory is that it was a calendar in ancient times. Perhaps we will never know for certain. And it hardly matters. The attraction is one of the most impressive worldwide, and it is enough to simply visit this monumental spot. We cannot help asking, "Who built this amazing structure?" The most popular theory of the past related to the Druids, but more recently it was found that the stones had been erected long before their time. Furthermore, the Druids prayed at shrines in the forest and did not require a stone temple.

According to the legend of King Arthur, Britain's definitive national epic, the stones were transported by giants from Africa to Ireland, and then to Britain by way of magic. The site was built to commemorate British traders, who had tragically lost their lives in battle.