Stonehenge – English keeper of secrets

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Stonehenge – English keeper of secrets
Stonehenge. Picture: iz.ru
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Stonehenge – a stone circle located in the south of England – the main character of myths and legends. One of the most famous monuments in the whole world.

Stone structure

In one of the most mysterious places in England, Stonehenge is located, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, and protected by the English Heritage Authority.

The monument is located in the county of Wiltshire, in the very center of the Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments of England.

More than 800 thousand tourists visit it every year. Due to damage from visitors, the stone circle was fenced and it was strictly forbidden to go beyond the fences.

In the 18th century, the location of the stones was restored by William Stukeley. Further attempts by contemporaries to restore Stonehenge were heavily criticized by the media.
Initially, during the construction of Stonehenge, more than 2000 years ago, a moat was dug and sprinkled with a rampart. Then megaliths were installed – large stones, vertical and with a transverse overlap. Ancient astronomers placed the entrance to the stone circle opposite the sunrise.

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Each megalith weighs from 3 to 7 tons. In the very center of Stonehenge is an altar stone. The megaliths themselves were brought to the construction site from the nearest mountains, which are located 400 kilometers from the building.

Purpose

Scientists suggest that the stone circle was used for astronomical purposes, since each part in the circle faces a certain direction, exactly where the sun is in each of its periods. But not everyone believes that the purpose of the building was that.

It is more likely that Stonehenge was a religious site or sanctuary of the Druids. Each stone in the circle is called “blue”, and was delivered to the building for 400 kilometers. The sacrificial stone is made of green.

There are many allegations that Stonehenge was used as a burial place. Bodies have been found within the circle, but the graves have been dated much later than the construction of Stonehenge.

According to some myths, it is known that the stone circle was the tomb of the pagan queen Boadicea.

There is a legend that the magician Merlin delivered all the blocks to the construction site. This and other legends hover around this place to this day. Surely no one knows how this structure was erected and for what purposes. Archaeologists, historians only put forward theories that may be completely different from reality.

Stonehenge
Stonehenge. Photo: sciencesetavenir.fr

Twice a year, the rites of the English druids are held at Stonehenge.

Good to know for tourists

Stonehenge is located 15 kilometers from Salisbury. From April to October the visit is open from 10.00 to 18.00. From November to March from 09.00 to 16.00. Tickets for those wishing to watch are:

  • Adult £8 (€10);
  • children from 5 to 15 years old – £5 (6€);
  • pensioners and students – £7.20 (€9);
  • Families £21 (€24).
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Interesting facts

  • Historians date the very first traces of rituals to 8000 BC.
  • The construction took place in three periods, the last of which was completed in 2000 BC.
  • The stone circle is covered with a halo of mysteries for all ages. In addition to unsolved mysteries, Stonehenge is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.
  • No theory regarding the meaning of the circle has been proven.
  • This place attracts not only archaeologists, historians and those interested in the Bronze Age, but also ordinary people.
Beauty, power and even energy leave an indelible impression in the hearts of tourists, and instill a desire to open the veil of secrets, to find out why Stonehenge was actually built.
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