Who Built Stonehenge and Why?
Stonehenge, one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world, is located in Wiltshire, England. Its construction is thought to have taken place in several phases from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. While the exact identity of the builders remains unknown, it is widely believed that a community of Neolithic people, likely the ancestors of the Britons, were responsible for erecting this megalithic structure.
The reasons behind the construction of Stonehenge have sparked much debate among historians and archaeologists. Many theories propose that it served as a ceremonial site, possibly related to ancestor worship or burial. The alignments of the stones suggest that it may have been used for astronomical observations, marking the solstices, which could signify the importance of timekeeping and agricultural cycles to ancient peoples.
Further theories indicate that Stonehenge functioned as a social gathering place, bringing together tribes from across Britain for rituals, trade, and communication. Its construction would have required significant collaboration and organization, highlighting the social structures of the time.
Despite extensive research, many aspects of Stonehenge remain a mystery. The lack of written records from that era complicates our understanding. As a result, Stonehenge continues to captivate historians, offering countless avenues for further exploration and speculation about its builders and their motivations.