A Few Facts About Prehistoric Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the ancient monuments maintained by English heritage. Here are a few facts about prehistoric Stonehenge. This monument attracts a million visitors every year. It is believed that Charles Darwin visited Stonehenge in the 1880s. It is believed that earthworms were the biggest hazard for this monument and it has mind-blowing links with astronomy. The construction of this monument was carried out in several stages.

Earlier, it was called as Stanenges in the early 1100s, later it was referred as Stonehenge in records in 1400s and 1670, and it was named as Stonehenge in 1610.

About the Stages of Construction

It is believed that this monument was constructed in 5000 BC to bury the cremated and dead people. Some records show that a stone circle pillar in the middle of this monument was inserted in the year 2500 BC around the Neolithic age.

Two Entrances

There were two entrances for this monument earlier. The wider one was at the northeastern part, and the smaller one was at the southern part.  However, many openings evolved in this monument after some years.

Unknown Circle of 56 Pits

The 56 pits or Aubrey holes is another fascinating point in this monument. John Aubrey discovered these holes around 1666 . Though the purpose of these pits is not discovered until now, people say that there were pillars in those pits earlier.

Construction During The Changing Period

This monument was constructed during the great changing period from the prehistoric age to the Neolithic age. Some monuments like Beaker are found in the designs of graves in this region. There are predictions that in 2400 BC, the graves with designs of Beaker were constructed in this monument. Ambesury Arche found near Stonehenge is an example of such Beaker graves.

Built With Two Kinds of Stones

It was built in two stages, and in fact, it is made with two types of stones belonging to two kinds of historic ages. It is said that one kind of stones are brought from a place called Marlborough Downs, 26 miles away from the place and bluestones were brought from Preseli Hills near New South Wales. People believe that either these stones were carried manually or transported through water bodies available near the location.

Connection With Astronomy

In 2010, researchers discovered astronomical links with the place. Some believe that those links belong to the Medieval period. Dr Halley experimented in 1720 to define the construction date of Stonehenge. He concluded that these might date back to 460 BC.  In 1771, John Smith proposed that the 30 sarsen stones depict days in a month, inscriptions represent 12 zodiac signs and 360 days in a year.

Discovery of Roman Artefacts

Roman artefacts like pottery were discovered near this place in 2010. Experts believe that this place was used vigorously for multiple reasons during medieval age.

Threat Due to Earthworms

In 1880, Charles Darwin visited this place and did many experiments. He made some excavations and concluded that earthworms under this monument might cause the biggest threat to this monument. His research led to scientific records that the sinking of the stone circles is because of loads of earthworms living under the soil of this monument.