Stonehenge's Hidden Secrets: New Insights on Ancient Origins
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Chapter 1: Understanding Stonehenge
Stonehenge continues to be shrouded in mysteries. While its construction timeline and possible purposes are somewhat established, the origins of its materials remain elusive. Recent discoveries challenge previous assumptions about the stones' history.
[Photo by Samuel Wölfl from Pexels] As one of the world's oldest and most renowned megalithic sites, Stonehenge has stood in Great Britain for over 4,000 years. However, the exact reasons for its construction remain hotly debated among scholars.
New Insights on Stonehenge's Construction
Among the more prevalent theories is the idea that Stonehenge functioned as an ancient solar calendar. Archaeological evidence suggests that prior to the placement of the stones, the area may have been a burial ground, with human remains found during excavations lending support to this theory.
This brief video highlights the significant journey of the stones, revealing that they were transported over 120 kilometers, adding a new layer of understanding to their origins.
The transportation of the massive sarsen stones has intrigued scientists, who are eager to uncover how these enormous blocks were moved nearly 5,000 years ago, given the limitations of ancient techniques. While the majority of the stones are sourced from West Woods, which is about 25 kilometers away, new research indicates that some stones may have journeyed over 120 kilometers.
[Photo by Ivan Draži? from Pexels] Where Did the Stonehenge Materials Come From? -----------------------------------------------------------------
This latest research provides fresh insights into the existing knowledge surrounding Stonehenge. The sarsen stones, which make up the structure, are naturally found in chalk hills, particularly in southern England, with their origins confirmed only recently in 2020. The smaller "bluestones" are known to originate from the Preseli Hills in Wales.
However, the chemical makeup of two specific sarsens, identified as numbers 26 and 160, posed a conundrum. To investigate further, researchers analyzed 15 samples from excavations at Stonehenge conducted in 2008 using advanced techniques such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Their findings revealed that none of these samples matched the composition of sarsens from West Woods. Instead, they were traced back to other locations:
- Three fragments were likely sourced from Bramdean in Hampshire, about 51 kilometers southeast of Stonehenge.
- One fragment came from Stoney Wish in East Sussex, located 123 kilometers southeast.
[Photo by B A Fields from Pexels] Stonehenge Through the Ages -----------------------------------------------
The results suggest that these sarsen fragments do not derive from the main megaliths at West Woods. However, this does not definitively confirm their origins from stones 26 or 160. Historical records indicate that by the time Stonehenge was excavated, it was already incomplete, leading experts to speculate that its construction may never have reached completion. Moreover, there are theories that suggest the site may have been subject to plundering in earlier times.
The authors of the study express that the varied origins of the sarsen stones raise intriguing questions. It is possible that the fragments examined were remnants of tools used during construction or smaller rocks brought to the site for ceremonial purposes.
This video discusses recent shocking discoveries at Stonehenge, revealing that researchers are rethinking their understanding of this ancient marvel.
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