Stonehenge is an iconic archaeological site from ancient history. The stone circle has existed for over 4,500 years on the Salisbury Plain, located just 145 km southwest of London, England.
Over the years, millions of tourists have been drawn to this site annually. The scenery of the summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset has captivated many…
However, Stonehenge still holds mysteries that continue to intrigue both the public and specialists: How was Stonehenge constructed so magnificently?
The enigmatic past of this prehistoric monument has inspired several theories regarding its creation. Some believe that this colossal megalithic structure was influenced by extraterrestrial beings or some mysterious advanced technology…
Nevertheless, based on archaeological evidence, modern scientists have come to understand after thousands of years that: It was the ancient British people who created this masterpiece using only stones, ropes, and wood – certainly supplemented by their strength and intelligence.
Stonehenge – A Wonder of Intelligence and Resilience
1. Today, Stonehenge consists of nearly two-thirds of its original 160 stones, featuring various shapes merged into one structure – a rare characteristic among Stone Age monuments.
Stonehenge today. Graphic: National Geographic
2. Stonehenge was built and modified over approximately 1,500 years. It began with a circular ditch, surrounded by a bank called a henge. The sarsen circle and trilithon horseshoe (a stone architecture consisting of two upright stones supporting a horizontal stone) were erected around 2500 BC.
Stonehenge around 2500 BC. Graphic: National Geographic
3. The ancient British built Stonehenge in connection with the earth, sky, and universe. On the winter solstice, the sun sets between the two upright stones of the tallest tower, marking the beginning of a promising spring season ahead.
Graphic: National Geographic
4. Looking from the center of the stone circle on the summer solstice, the sun rises just to the left of the heaviest stone – the Heel Stone, marking the main entrance to Stonehenge.
Graphic: National Geographic
5. The four Station Stones are positioned in a rectangle, aligned with specific directions (north) and in line with the full moon.
Graphic: National Geographic
6. The ancient British constructed Stonehenge using two types of stone: sarsen (sandstone) weighing between 20 to 40 tons and bluestone weighing between 2 to 4 tons.
Graphic: National Geographic
7. The smaller bluestones were frequently rearranged, while the larger sarsen stones – once erected – remained in place. About one-third of the sarsen stones are buried underground.
Graphic: National Geographic
8. The location of the Stonehenge megalith on the map of England.
The sarsen and bluestones were transported a considerable distance to the site of Stonehenge. The route for the sarsen stones was 32 km, while the transport route for the bluestones was 282 km.
Graphic: National Geographic
9. To move the heavy stones weighing up to 40 tons, the ancient British devised a ‘sled’ pulled by human strength. Hundreds of people had to work for weeks to move the 40-ton sarsen stone over a distance of 32 km.
Graphic: National Geographic
10. The ancients used about 1,000 small stones (held in hand) to polish the massive sarsen stones. This is why the inner surfaces of the stones at Stonehenge are very smooth and fine.
Graphic: National Geographic
11. Each large sarsen stone was supported by a wooden brace. Then, levers were used to partially bury the stone into the ground.
Graphic: National Geographic
Then, ropes were used to keep them upright and soil was packed into the holes to secure the stones.
Graphic: National Geographic
12. Once the sarsen stones were upright, they used stones to tap from above to balance their heights.
Graphic: National Geographic
Then, specialized tools were used to create the mortise on the stones.
Graphic: National Geographic
13. After the sarsen stones were stable and of equal height, they used levers and wood to move a horizontal stone into place, aligning it with the mortise on top of the sarsen stones.
Graphic: National Geographic
As a result, the massive stones were interconnected with unprecedented strength and durability.
Graphic: National Geographic
14. Stonehenge continues to inspire thousands of visitors each year. While the stones may not be as intact as they once were over time, the strength, intelligence, and creativity of the ancients endure through the ages!
Graphic: National Geographic
Graphic: National Geographic
In 1986, Stonehenge was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
