SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS
HISTORY OF ART AND DESIGN
Mam Sundus Rafi
Topic:
STONEHENGE
Abdullah Tariq
70174649
BSVCD
Section A
Introduction of Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It is made up of massive
standing stones arranged in a circular layout, with some stones connected by horizontal lintels.
Built between 3100 BCE and 1550 BCE, it is believed to have been used for ceremonial,
astronomical, or ritual purposes. The site is famous for its alignment with the summer and winter
solstices, showcasing the advanced knowledge of its builders about the movements of the sun.
Today, Stonehenge is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an enduring symbol
of ancient human achievement and mystery.
Construction phases of Stonehenge
Early Earthworks (3100 BCE):
The first phase involved creating a circular ditch and bank, known as a henge. Inside this, 56 pits
called Aubrey Holes were dug, possibly for wooden posts or burials.
Bluestone Circle (2600 BCE):
Smaller stones called bluestones were transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, about 240
kilometers away. These stones were placed in an inner circle and arranged in arcs or horseshoes.
Sarsen Circle (2500 BCE):
Large sandstone blocks, called sarsens, were erected in a circular formation with horizontal stones
(lintels) on top. A central horseshoe shape of sarsens was also added, aligning with the solstices.
Later Adjustments (After 2300 BCE):
Stones were rearranged and adjusted, and additional elements like the ceremonial avenue, aligned
with the solstices, were built.
Builders of Stonehenge
The exact builders of Stonehenge remain unknown, but it is widely believed to have been
constructed by Neolithic communities in Britain over several centuries. These early farmers and
settlers likely worked together, using simple tools and methods to transport and arrange the
massive stones. While theories suggest involvement by various cultures, there is no evidence to
support myths such as Stonehenge being built by Druids or aliens. Instead, it represents the
ingenuity and collaboration of ancient communities with advanced knowledge of astronomy and
engineering for their time.
Structure of Stonehenge
Outer Circle:
1. The largest stones, called sarsens, are made of sandstone and are arranged in an outer ring.
2. These stones are connected by horizontal lintels, creating a continuous circle.
Inner Circle and Horseshoe:
1. Inside the outer circle, smaller stones called bluestones are placed.
2. At the center, there is a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of sarsen stones, which is aligned with
the sunrise during the summer solstice.
Heel Stone:
1. A single large stone, known as the Heel Stone, stands outside the main circle. It aligns with the
summer solstice sunrise when viewed from the center of the monument.
Ditches and Banks:
1. Surrounding the stone circles are a circular ditch and bank, believed to have been part of the
earliest phase of construction.
Avenues and Alignment:
A ceremonial avenue, aligned with solstices, leads from Stonehenge to the nearby River Avon.
Transportation and Construction Methods:
Theories about using wooden rollers, sledges, and rafts to transport stones over land and water are
supported by experiments conducted by archaeologists.
Ramps, levers, and coordinated human effort are plausible techniques for raising and positioning
stones, as described by experts in ancient engineering.
Types of Stones
Sarsens:
Made of sandstone, these stones are massive, with some weighing up to 25 tons.
Likely sourced from the Marlborough Downs, about 30 kilometers away.
Bluestones:
Smaller and denser, these stones were transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 240
kilometers away.
They are igneous rocks, including dolerite, rhyolite, and volcanic ash.
Theories and purposes
Astronomical Observatory:
Aligned with the summer and winter solstices, it may have been used to track celestial events for
agricultural and ceremonial purposes.
Religious or Ceremonial Site:
Likely a sacred space for rituals, possibly connected to ancestor worship or life and death ceremonies, as
indicated by nearby burials.
Healing Center:
The bluestones, believed to have mystical properties, suggest it might have been a place for healing.
Community Gathering Site: Served as a social hub where people united for festivals, feasts, or trade,
supported by findings at nearby Durrington Walls.
Archaeological discoveries
Archaeologists have made many discoveries at Stonehenge that help us understand its history and
purpose. Human remains, including cremated bones, were found, suggesting it was used as a burial
site, especially for important individuals. Tools made from animal bones were discovered, showing
how people dug the ditches in its early construction.
Animal bones and broken pottery near Durrington Walls, a nearby settlement, indicate large feasts,
suggesting Stonehenge was a gathering place. Stone fragments and tools found at the site show
how the massive stones were shaped and positioned. Studies of the smaller bluestones confirm
they were brought from Wales, over 240 kilometers away, demonstrating the builders' incredible
effort.
Modern technology, like ground-penetrating radar, has revealed hidden structures around
Stonehenge, including burial mounds and pathways. These findings show that Stonehenge was
part of a larger sacred area used for ceremonies and gatherings.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Stonehenge is a fascinating ancient site that continues to capture our imagination.
Archaeological findings suggest it was used for rituals, burials, and possibly social gatherings,
with its alignment to the sun indicating its importance in ancient astronomy. The mystery
surrounding its purpose and construction remains, adding to its historical significance.
