Stonehenge

= Stonehenge  = = Wiltshire, England =



Stonehenge is an unusual and mysterious structure located on the English countryside of Wiltshire. The construction on this magnificent structure occurred 5,000 years ago. Many people agree that Stonehenge was made to be a place of worship. Stonehenge was constructed in several stages. Stonehenge was first constructed by people in England during the Stone Age. The used deer antlers as a digging tool to create a circular ditch. The diameter of Stonehenge is 320 feet and the width 20 feet. The Neolithic people then constructed an inner circle with a steep bank. They dug 56 holes in the inner circle that are now called the Aubrey holes. They were named after John Aubrey, the discoverer of Stonehenge in the 17th century.Two parallel stones were assembled at the entryway of the circle. These stones are aligned with the midsummer sunrise. One of the stones is still standing today. It is known as the Slaughter Stone. There are two stones directly across the circle from the entrance that are also still in place today. They are called the Station Stones.The second construction of Stonehenge started in 2100 BC. Granite stones, also known as bluestones, were put in a semicircle within the ditch circles that were created in the first phase. These stones came from the Preseli Mountains in South Wales. This location is about 250 miles from Stonehenge. There were around 80 stones that were taken from the Preseli Mountains and each one weighed up to about 4 tons. It is unknown how the stones were transported and many theories have been created to explain this almost impossible feat. The third construction of Stonehenge is still observable today. Upright sarsen stones were paired in a circle. Each pair had a horizontal capstone on top. 30 stones were constructed during this stage and on 17 still stand today. Inside this ring of stones is a horseshoe development that was created with 10 stones. There is also a pathway, called the Avenue, that runs from Stonehenge to the Avon River. Over 800,000 visitors a year come to this amazing monument. Thousands of people even join together at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise on the summer solstice. This mysterious and magnificent monument is a wonder that impresses all because of its beauty and purpose of creation. [|Stonehenge Video] [|Stonehenge] [|Mysterious Places]