Summary of Construction of Stonehenge in England
Uncover the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge's monumental construction.
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Construction of Stonehenge in England in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Neolithic Builders
Dr. Mike Parker Pearson
The Amesbury Archer
The Bluestone Quarry Workers
1. Gathering of the Stones
2. Transportation of the Stones
3. Setting the Foundation
4. Arrangement of the Stones
5. Construction of the Outer Circle
6. Building the Sarsen Stones
7. Addition of the Bluestones
8. Construction of the Altar Stone
9. Completion of the Avenue
10. The Mystery of Stonehenge
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: A prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England
- When: Estimated to have been constructed between 3000 BC to 2000 BC
- Who: Ancient builders and possibly Druids
- Outcome: A significant archaeological and historical site, with debates on its purpose and construction methods
Famous Figures in the Construction of Stonehenge in England
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Sir William Hawley
Sir William Hawley was a British archaeologist who excavated Stonehenge in the early 20th century.
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Richard Atkinson
Richard Atkinson was a British archaeologist who conducted extensive research on Stonehenge in the 1950s and 1960s.
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Gerald Hawkins
Gerald Hawkins was an American astronomer who proposed a theory that Stonehenge was used as an astronomical observatory.
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Mike Parker Pearson
Mike Parker Pearson is a British archaeologist who has conducted recent research on the construction and purpose of Stonehenge.
Timeline of Construction of Stonehenge in England
Stonehenge construction begins with the earthwork enclosure
Bluestones are transported from Wales to Stonehenge
Sarsen stones are erected at Stonehenge
Avenue leading to Stonehenge is constructed
Y and Z holes are dug at Stonehenge
Stonehenge is completed in its main phase
Stonehenge is used for rituals and ceremonies
Stonehenge falls into disuse and becomes overgrown
Stonehenge is re-discovered and investigated by antiquarians
Stonehenge is studied by archaeologists and historians
Stonehenge is restored and preserved for future generations
Stonehenge is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Vocabulary List
- Megaliths
- The construction of Stonehenge involved moving and erecting massive megaliths.
- Sarsen stones
- The outer circle of Stonehenge is made up of sarsen stones.
- Lintels
- The horizontal stones that sit on top of the vertical stones at Stonehenge are called lintels.
- Henge
- Stonehenge is a type of prehistoric monument known as a henge.
- Alignment
- The stones at Stonehenge are carefully aligned to the movements of the sun and moon.
- Neolithic
- Stonehenge was constructed during the neolithic period.
- Sacrificial
- Some researchers believe that Stonehenge may have been used for sacrificial purposes.
- Archaeological
- Archaeological excavations have revealed important information about the construction of Stonehenge.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Stonehenge was constructed in several stages, with the first phase believed to have started around 3100 BC.
- The stones used in Stonehenge were transported from a quarry in Wales, over 140 miles away.
- The largest stones at Stonehenge, known as sarsens, weigh up to 50 tons.
- There are two main types of stones at Stonehenge: the sarsens and the smaller bluestones.
- The bluestones at Stonehenge are believed to have been transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales.
- Stonehenge is aligned with the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, leading to theories about its use as an astronomical observatory.
- The construction of Stonehenge is thought to have required a workforce of hundreds of people.
- The purpose of Stonehenge is still debated by archaeologists and historians, with theories ranging from a burial site to a religious temple.
- Stonehenge was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.
- The lintel stones at Stonehenge were placed atop the upright stones using a sophisticated mortise and tenon joint.
- The bluestones at Stonehenge are believed to have been erected before the larger sarsen stones.
- Stonehenge underwent several phases of construction and modification over a period of roughly 1,500 years.
- Stonehenge is located on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England.
- The bluestones at Stonehenge are made of dolerite, an igneous rock.
- Stonehenge was likely built by a culture known as the Beaker people, who were skilled in metalworking and pottery.
- The exact methods used to transport and erect the stones at Stonehenge remain a subject of debate among archaeologists.
- Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world.
- Stonehenge was likely used for ceremonial and religious purposes, as well as possibly serving as a burial site.
- Stonehenge attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually.
- Stonehenge has inspired countless theories and myths over the centuries, including associations with Druids and aliens.
Analysis & Significance
Immediate Consequences
The construction of Stonehenge in England immediately drew attention from neighboring communities and likely served as a gathering place for rituals and ceremonies. The labor-intensive process of moving and arranging the massive stones would have required significant coordination and resources.
Long-Term Impact
Stonehenge has had a lasting impact on the fields of archaeology, astronomy, and anthropology. Its alignment with celestial events suggests a sophisticated understanding of the cosmos by ancient civilizations. The monument continues to fascinate researchers and visitors alike, offering insights into the technological capabilities and cultural practices of prehistoric societies.
Cultural Significance Today
Today, Stonehenge stands as a symbol of ancient ingenuity and human achievement. It remains a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year. The site’s mysterious origins and enduring presence in popular culture serve as a reminder of our shared human history and the enduring power of monumental architecture.
Construction of Stonehenge in England Games
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