Stonehenge

Realistically, it is impossible for us to know for what purpose Stonehenge was erected. Theories of all different shapes and sizes have circulated about this site since it was discovered. Most of the theories surrounding these sites, which are very ancient, are consequently inferred from very minimal evidence. But, despite the uncertainty and confusion which still surrounds the purpose and uses of Stonehenge through the ages, some theories and conjectures have been written down in attempt to understand just what Stonehenge was, where it came from and why it was needed in the civilization it was obviously an important part of.

Coupled with the stone circles at Avebury, Stonehenge is one of the most mysterious ancient sites in the world. Unlike the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia or Egypt, Stonehenge leaves behind no textual evidence for explanation. Until recent years both of these ancient sites (Stonehenge and Avebury) were treated with apathy, farmers thoughtlessly clearing the stones in order to grow crops. Only in very recent years has there been any attempt made to uncover the secrets of their history. Of course, fanciful myths have always circulated with tales of the stone monuments; stories of human sacrifices and strange ceremonies being the most popular (Hibbert 12). Though the reasons why the stones are arranged as such remain a mystery, a few things seem to be becoming clearer to archaeologists who study this ancient site. For example, the Central Stone at Stonehenge, along with the Heel Stone—directly tied to the angle of the rising sun on summer mornings—suggests a ceremony connected to sun worship. The true age of the monument is also becoming clearer. It is believed that the Stonehenge monoliths were arranged in at least five stages covering the span of five centuries from 2200 to 1300 BC. (Hibbert13). Yet, although we are beginning to see the true extent of the massive span of time during which these monuments have stood, little is known about the people who placed them there or their purposes in doing so.

Despite this uncertainty, however, there has been no lack of conjecture. The following have all been seriously considered as possibilities for the activity or worship which once occurred at Stonehenge: “astronomical observatory, calendar for the seasons, temple for some form of worship, headquarters of a priesthood, sepulchre for chieftains, sepulchral use connected with barrows, memorial hall or monument of victory, palace for a great king, hall for ceremonial meetings of chiefs, court of justice, theatre for contests or ordeals or simply to rival or supersede its predecessor, Avebury” (Stone 69). Of all of these conjectures there are two which have received the most support from archaeologists. The first is that Stonehenge was designed for some purpose connected with the observation or possible worship of the sun and incidentally was used as a calendar of the seasons. The second most favored is that Stonehenge was designed for some sepulchral purpose connected with the adjacent barrows (Stone 70). However, any clue to the true usage remains hidden from archaeologists view.

The earliest known written record of the legendary Stonehenge occurs in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain, written in the year 1136. Although a story is told of Stonehenge being erected in order to commemorate a great victory, most historians have also dismissed this theory, believing that the stones were dragged to this spot from the mountains in Wales at a much earlier time (Grinsell 5). The very newest archaeological evidence suggests that Stonehenge has served as a burial ground since its earliest beginnings but gives little detail beyond this raw fact. And so, conclusively, after listing a catalogue of theories and possibilities, the true purpose remains unknown. Conjectures are widespread and understanding is limited. From what we do know about the stones at Stonehenge however, it is easy to conclude that since they were brought from so far away and built to withstand 2000 years’ time, whatever purpose the monument was used for was of extreme importance to the civilization which constructed them.

Works Cited

Grinsell, L. V. "The Legendary History and Folklore of Stonehenge." Folklore 87.1 (1976): 5-20.

Hibbert, Christopher. The Story of England. London: Phaidon Press Limited, 2006.

Stone, E. Herbert. "40. the Purpose of Stonehenge." Man 25 (1995): 69-72.