Stonehenge

Stonehenge, 130 km W of London, is a prehistoric temple the ruins of which arouse the awe of visitors from all over the world. This monument is unique on the globe.

Archaeological evidence dates the first Stonehenge back to about 5000 years ago. A circular earthwork was probably used as a ceremonial meeting place. Finally a stone circle was built about 4000 years ago. It was first mentioned in the 12th century.

The standing stones consist of two kinds of rock. The larger blocks form a circle about 30 metres in diametre, each weighing about 25 tonnes. The smaller stones are blue in colour and come from the Preseli Mountain in  Wales (about 380 km away).

The horseshoes inside, each consisting of a pair of uprights, weigh over 40 tonnes. The tallest one is 7 m high. Stonehenge is an incredible feat of engineering. The people who built it were only aided by simple tools such as rollers , ropes and levers. Alignment on the midsummer sunrise / midwinter sunset implies prehistoric use for seasonal festivals.

 

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