Animal trials were truly a strange part of Europe’s medieval history
Located in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is one of the most famous cultural prehistoric monuments in the world. Although it's thousands of years old, we are still learning more about it today. In 2024, archaeologists discovered that it was transported from Scotland. Why were the stones transported at all? This is a question that archaeologists have been asking themselves, and it seems they've finally come up with an answer.
While the monument has been known for its cultural significance, experts believe there was a political significance too, particularly regarding unity among British farmers. Curious to know more about these new revelations? Click through the gallery!
Located in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge speaks for itself as one of the most significant and iconic prehistoric monuments in the world. Despite thousands of years of existence, archaeologists are still learning more about it today.
Stonehenge is a monument from the Neolithic and early Bronze Age. It consists of massive standing stones aligned in a circle, some of which weigh upwards of 40 tons.
How was Stonehenge built? That’s still up for debate. The 'bluestones' were sourced from Wales. Therefore, historians agree that in terms of transportation and subsequent placement of the stones, there was surely knowledge of advanced engineering.
Undoubtedly, the construction of the site required immense and complex planning, labor, and organization. No other monument in the region holds stones that were brought from such faraway places.
Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized in 1986, it attracts millions of tourists every year. History buffs, tourists, and archaeologists continue to be inspired and intrigued by the site.
Many people gather at Stonehenge for both summer (pictured) and winter solstices. It is believed that Stonehenge was an ancient calendar of sorts.
During the summer solstice, the sun rises directly on top of the 'Heel Stone,' while during the winter solstice (pictured), the sun sets precisely in alignment with the stones. Therefore, it is believed that the monument was used to track solar and lunar cycles.
For this reason, some historians have also argued that Stonehenge was used by prehistoric people to observe astronomical events, such as eclipses.
There is also some religious significance to the monument. Archaeologists have found human remains nearby, alluding to the fact that Stonehenge could also have been a burial site.
There are also theories about the possibility of its use in ritualistic activities with some sort of ceremonial components.
Due to its composition, it is also thought that perhaps Stonehenge was used not only for communal gathering but also worship.
In December 2024, a Stonehenge expert offered a new explanation of the monument’s significance, namely to early farming communities.
Some historians believe that the site was a symbol of identity for those who created it. Mike Parker Pearson, professor at the University College London, explained that the altar stone may have been taken from a Scottish monument as a symbol of political alliance among early farming communities across Britain.
The altar stone does not often receive a great deal of attention. It lies flat. Therefore, it was assumed that the stone had fallen. Yet, Parker Pearson makes a link to sites in north-east Scotland, where other stones are also laid flat in circular formats.
This has led the scholar to believe that the altar stone was purposely placed in a flat position. Park Pearson argues that the flat stone was “deliberately set as a recumbent stone.”
In a paper that has yet to be published, Parker Pearson shares that “Stonehenge stands out in being a material and monumental microcosm of the entirety of the British Isles.”
Parker Pearson suggests that despite all the theories regarding Stonehenge’s historical use, the monument may actually be more political than religious.
Although Parker Pearson doesn’t deny the site's multiple uses, he does point to how there may be a greater purpose, a political purpose, that we missed over the centuries.
Parker Pearson notes that the monument may express “the permanence of particular aspects” in the world of ancient communities.
The altar stone was likely installed after the original layout of Stonehenge existed. Archaeologists believe it was placed there sometime around 2,500 BCE.
During that time emerged a great deal of cultural change in Britain, following new arrivals from other parts of Europe. Parker Pearson refers to this as “first contact.”
It is part of this historical happening that has led to the theory that perhaps the “second stage” of Stonehenge – the installation of the altar, in this case – was an “attempt to assert unity.”
According to genetic research, the dominant population of Britain is rooted in the “Beaker people,” who displaced neolithic populations that previously inhabited the land.
Pictured is an ancient artifact from the Beaker people.
The Beaker people are believed to have built Stonehenge, which Pearson believes was to create unity between the different communities, but unfortunately, this didn't work.
This fascinating new take on the monument offers another way to think about history, the use of monuments in the recognition of particular historical periods, and the potential to constantly learn more about times long gone.
While Parker Pearson’s theory offers a new perspective on Stonehenge, its significance remains steadfast.
Sources: (The British Museum) (English Heritage) (The Guardian) (UNESCO)
See also: Ancient sites worth visiting
New theory attributes political significance to Stonehenge
A marker of peace
LIFESTYLE England
Located in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is one of the most famous cultural prehistoric monuments in the world. Although it's thousands of years old, we are still learning more about it today. In 2024, archaeologists discovered that it was transported from Scotland. Why were the stones transported at all? This is a question that archaeologists have been asking themselves, and it seems they've finally come up with an answer.
While the monument has been known for its cultural significance, experts believe there was a political significance too, particularly regarding unity among British farmers. Curious to know more about these new revelations? Click through the gallery!