Places
The Historical Significance of Stonehenge
An Enduring Symbol of British Heritage
One of the planet’s most iconic and mysterious ancient monuments, Stonehenge has intrigued researchers, archaeologists, and visitors for centuries.
Located on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, the massive stone circle attests to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of our ancient ancestors as it stands today, a locus of speculation and debate about its origins and purpose.
In this article, we’ll peel back the layers of time, examining Stonehenge in its historical and cultural context, learn about its construction and purpose, and take stock of the enduring puzzles and persistent theories that swirl around this ancient monument.
Construction and Chronology
The construction of Stonehenge occurred in several different phases over several thousand years. The earliest part of the structure began at around 3100 BC, a circular ditch and bank, and the monument evolved over the centuries, including the erection of the sarsen stones and smaller bluestones.
Of course, the people who constructed Stonehenge didn’t have the power tools or even the knowledge of the wheel, and the fact that they were able to build a structure of that size and scale is a tribute to their ingenuity, engineering, and perseverance.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Stonehenge was hugely culturally and religiously significant in the ancient world. It is thought to have been an incredible ceremonial site, a place of worship, and a final resting place. The alignment of the stones with solstices and what are believed by many to be other astronomical events indicates a connection with the heavens and with the cycles of nature.
The location and meaning behind the design of the monument on Salisbury Plain suggest that it was a major destination for pilgrims who traveled from great distances to participate in rituals and cultural ceremonies.
Theories and Interpretations
Over the years, several eminent scholars and archaeologists have fussed over Stonehenge. Some say it was an astronomical observatory, a hypothesis traced back to the 1963 publication of Stonehenge Decoded by astronomer Gerald Hawkins. Others have suggested it was a healing center or a place of ancestor worship.
Still, others believe the circle served as a way to unite the tribes. As Romain points out, those who felt a mystical attraction to this place of power would “probably have used the stones and the earthwork ditch that lay just inside Stonehenge as a way to signify to others that they had the power to do so.
Then again, Stonehenge might also have been a place where people gathered for annual communal activities — a kind of “prehistoric Glastonbury,” as Romain puts it — which could have involved such events as religious rituals. In the absence of written records, all these interpretations coexist quite comfortably.
Cultural Context and Influence
Stonehenge cannot be considered in isolation; it belongs to a much wider cultural context of similar megalithic structures that are found in Western Europe — where a shared cultural and religious tradition lasted through the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
It can be seen in the subsequent building of stone circles and megalithic monuments made across the British Isles; its legacy has lasted for millennia and tells us of the lasting impact it had on the generations that followed it.
Preservation and Modern Significance
The sturdy stones have stood in place for thousands of years — a fact that has subjected them to vandalism, the onslaught of erosion, and the creeping modern development. The fight to save Stonehenge and to conserve it as an irreplaceable ancient monument has continued for generations and still rages today, with the venerable site designated as a UNESCO National Heritage site in 1986.
Representing another turn in human history, the compelling circle of stones has drawn visitors from around the globe, who come not just to gawk at an icon, but to marvel at an artifact; not just to solve a puzzle, but to find the inspiration of painters, writers, and scientists.
Stonehenge is a lasting tribute to the knowledge, skill, and cultural tradition of our ancient ancestors. It’s a structure whose construction and purpose continue to fascinate all who investigate and explore it. We’re left with a great many questions, but one thing is clear: Stonehenge has immense historical importance.
As we solve the riddles of this iconic monument, we gain endless insights into the ideas, behaviors, and achievements of those before us — reminders of the inextricable connections between us and the deep human past—a bridge between its era and ours, and a way to link with our shared history.
