The Mysteries of Stonehenge

Get Acquainted with Stonehenge – A Monument, which is considered as on of the World’s Biggest Enigmas 

         Stonehenge is probably the world’s best-known megalithic site. A megalith is a standing stone monument. Stonehenge, which is situated on Salisbury Plain in southern England, has been associated with all sort astronomical and religious myths. Every year, on June 21, which is the longest day, thousands of visitors collect for a festival to mark the summer solstice.

There have been many theories over the years as to who built the site and why. Probably the most famous is that the Druids (ancient magicians) built it as a place of worship. The problem with this theory is that there were no Druids in England at the time it was built, and the Druids preferred places with trees for their worship.

Another theory is that it was some sort of religious site where human sacrifices were made, but this theory is the weakest of all, since no human remains have been found there.

Another, and the best theory, is that it was some sort of astronomical observatory. The sun rises directly over the heel stone on midsummer’s day. It is not very likely that this is coincidence. The problem with this theory is that over the 5000 years that it has stood, mid summer’s day has changed and so has the position of the sun. However, people have estimated that 5000 years ago, midsummer’s day was June24, and that the sun would have risen over the heel stone then. Other calculations show that it could have been used to predict solar and lunar eclipses, and perhaps even as a daily calendar.

            We will never know exactly why the site was built. One thing is certain, though. It was built for an important purpose, since no one would have gone to so much effort just for fun.