Scientists May Have Finally Solved Why Stonehenge Was Built.
Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric landmarks, may have been constructed to unify ancient Britain’s communities, according to a new study published in Archaeology International.
Located in Wiltshire, England, on the southern edge of Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge was assembled in stages between 3100 and 1600 BC, with stones transported from as far away as southwest Wales and northeast Scotland.
The study suggests that the massive stones, known as bluestones, were brought by Neolithic people from distant regions as a contribution to the monument’s construction.
This cooperative effort is believed to reflect a desire for political unification and the establishment of a shared identity across ancient Britain.
“Bringing together these extraordinary and alien rocks symbolized and embodied far and distant communities within a complex material,” the study explains.
Lead researcher Mike Parker Pearson emphasized that Stonehenge’s significance extended beyond its local region.
“It shows that this site on Salisbury Plain was important to people across Britain, prompting them to transport massive monoliths over hundreds of miles,” Pearson told CNN.
The construction of Stonehenge coincided with a time of increased interaction between indigenous Britons and newcomers from continental Europe.
Researchers theorize that the monument may have served as a focal point to unite these diverse groups and foster collaboration during cultural transitions.
Geological analysis has confirmed that many of the smaller bluestones originated from the Preseli Hills in Wales, while the Altar Stone, a prominent feature of the monument, is believed to have been sourced from northeastern Scotland.
Transporting these stones across such vast distances would have required immense effort, with thousands of people likely involved in the process.
During the winter solstice, large gatherings at Stonehenge and nearby sites such as Durrington Walls further suggest the monument’s role as a cultural and social hub.
Evidence of communal feasting and ceremonial activities supports the theory that Stonehenge was not just a religious site, but also a place of political and social significance.
Stonehenge remains a source of fascination and debate among archaeologists and historians. This latest research sheds light on its possible purpose, adding another layer to the enduring mystery surrounding the iconic structure.
