Talking about abandoned, haunted or mysterious places is just becoming my new thing and to all, you fellow readers out there, expect this weekly now because I am HYPED to research and share all these different stories. And this week, I'll be talking about the Stonehenge.
Located in Salisbury, England the Stonehenge is a massive stone monument that evolved over a period of about 10,000 years. Built roughly around 4,000-5,000 years was once part of a larger landscape that was 15 times the size of Stonehenge.
The biggest stones are about 30 feet and weigh 25 tons while the smaller stones can weigh up to 4 tons. But my question is, how in the world did they possibly get to where they are at now?
Live science websites mention that the bigger stones were brought a distance of about 20 miles from the north and the smaller stones coming from different sites in Western Wales. And I find impossible that back in ancient times that people could move them to where they are located now.
Most of the Stonehenge was built in phases but some of the stones are a mystery in how they ended up at the site. But besides how the Stonehenge came to be, what even is their purpose besides hanging out in a circle like they are gossiping girls?
Now, (like Ryan Bergara says in Buzzfeed Unsolved), Let's get into the theories.
*Theories discussed below can be found on Live Science's website.
1. Sound Illusion
If two pipers were to play in the field around the StoneHenge, the sounds would cancel out at certain spots. The monument has coined the nickname "The Piper's Stones" since magic pipers led maiden to the field and turned them into the stones present today.
While the sound illusion theory might not be true to everyone, it does have amazing acoustics that is typically found in lecture halls or a cathedral.
2. Elite Cemetery
The monument may have been a burial ground for the elite. Thousands of skeletal fragments from about 63 individuals have been discovered from the area. The burials date to 3000 B.C. just as the construction was beginning.
Archaeologists also unearthed a possible incense bowl and mace head which are usually associated with the elite in ancient society.
3. Astronomical Calendar
It's been speculated that ancient celebrated the winter solstice at the StoneHenge. And an avenue near the Stonehenge is aligned with the winter solstice sunset, which is super cool if you think about it. The site also faces the sunrise during the summer solstice which thousands of visitors flock to the site every year to experience the moment.
The monument has sparked countless stories and theories of how it was built and it's purpose. To folklore, the Stonehenge was created by a wizard of Arthurian legend who magically transported the massive stones from Ireland to their location today.
Another legend state that invading Danes put the stones and some even argue that Stonehenge is a landing area for a spacecraft of Aliens.
While theories and stories continue to grow up the building and purpose of the Stonehenge, it has been a site favorite for everyone who visits. And what's better than seeing 4 to 20-ton rocks instead of small little pebbles? Nothing, that's right we love rocks no matter how much we all deny it.