Lecture Notes: Stonehenge - The Mysteries of an Ancient Monument

Introduction

• Stonehenge: England's most mysterious ancient monument.
• Located on a site older than the pyramids of Egypt.
• Composed of 85 massive stones, some weighing over 40 tons.
• Questions surrounding its purpose and construction.

Historical Significance

• Associated with the Druids, ancient Celtic priests known for ritual sacrifice.
• Stonehenge has fascinated people throughout history.
• Unlike most ancient ruins, it is well-preserved and not incomplete.

Structure and Design

• Open-plan design with ventilation and light, unique for its time.
• Not recognizable as a church, temple, or typical building.
• The stones have stood for thousands of years, preserving its grandeur.

Connection with the Druids

• Druids believed in the immortality of the soul and performed rituals, including sacrifices.
• Celebrations have continued at summer solstice (June 21), aligned with the midsummer sunrise.
• Bodies found in the area date back over 4,000 years, providing clues about its builders.

Construction Phases

1. Phase 1: Circular ditch and bank.
2. Phase 2: Timber structures.
3. Phase 3: Arrival of the stones, subsequent repositioning over the years.

• Largest stones: 23 feet tall, weighing more than 44 tons.
• Total weight of rocks: over 1,500 tons, equivalent to 10 steam locomotives.
• Precise construction, possibly aligned with astronomical events.

Who Built Stonehenge?

• Possible builders included primitive hunter-gatherers, Celtic Druids, and Romans.
• Recent dating suggests construction began around 4,000 years ago, predating the Druids.
• Stonehenge likely built by ancient Britons, technologically simple yet capable of monumental construction.

Evidence of Construction Techniques

• Two types of stones: Bluestones and Sarsen stones.
• Bluestones sourced from Preseli Mountains in South Wales (over 200 miles away).
• Theories of transportation: possibly transported by human effort or naturally deposited by glaciers.

Transportation of Stones

• Log boats could have been utilized for moving heavy stones across water.
• Modern experiments demonstrated the feasibility of using log boats to transport large boulders.
• Issues encountered during the construction of these boats reflect challenges faced by ancient builders.

Labor and Time

• Estimated peak workforce of 300 individuals.
• Project completion could take 2.5 to 3 years, requiring 1.5 to 3 million labor hours.

Cultural Significance

• The size and structure of Stonehenge likely reflect the aspirations and beliefs of its builders.
• Potentially served as a place of worship or community gathering, echoing larger-than-life themes.

Recent Discoveries

• Excavation at Boscombe Down revealed multiple burials, possibly related to Stonehenge builders.
• Chemical analysis of teeth suggests individuals came from the same area as the bluestones, indicating a cultural connection.

Conclusion

• The construction of Stonehenge demonstrates the ingenuity and capabilities of ancient Britons.
• Ongoing research continues to uncover the mysteries surrounding its purpose, builders, and significance.
• Stonehenge remains an enduring symbol of human achievement and a testament to our ancestors' resolve.