Stonehenge, the ancient stone monument in England, has long been a source of fascination and mystery for historians and scientists. The purpose of its construction has puzzled experts for centuries, with theories ranging from it being an observatory or solar calendar. However, a new study by archaeologists at University College London proposes a lesser-known theory about the monument’s purpose.
According to the researchers, Stonehenge may have served as a unifying communal project for indigenous Neolithic tribal Britons in response to the arrival of newcomers from Germany and the Netherlands. This theory is based on the recent discovery that the Altar Stone, a crucial part of the monument, originated from Scotland. This finding, detailed in a study published in the journal Archeology International, suggests that all of Stonehenge’s stones were brought from distant regions, indicating a political as well as a religious purpose for the monument.
Lead author of the study, Mike Parker Pearson, explains that the unique sourcing of the stones implies that Stonehenge may have been a symbol of unity for the people of Britain, celebrating their connections with their ancestors and the cosmos. The monument, consisting of various stone groupings erected over thousands of years, required organized efforts to transport the massive stones from different locations, showcasing a coordinated community effort.
The Altar Stone, added to Stonehenge around 500 years after its initial construction, was positioned near the trilithon structure to frame the midwinter solstice sunset. Archaeologists believe that the construction of Stonehenge and similar stone circles in Scotland may have served as significant events that brought communities together. The Altar Stone, possibly brought as a gift from northern Scotland, symbolized an alliance or collaboration among the people.
Despite its potential role in unifying local communities, demographic changes continued to shape the population of Britain. By 2000 BCE, Europeans became the dominant population on the island, marking a shift in the cultural landscape. Stonehenge, with its intricate construction and symbolic significance, remains a testament to the ancient peoples who built it and the complex history of the British Isles. The Benefits of Regular Exercise
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