Stonehenge, Salisbury England

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Stonehenge is one of the most renowned architectural works. It was doubtlessly well-known across much of the ancient world as well. After the original builders vanished, new inhabitants picked up on construction as if they instinctively knew what to do.

Burial complex – The nearby Blue Henge is confirmed to be an ancient burial site, with remains of people from all over Europe. Stonehenge fit into a massive funerary complex, but what function did it serve in the funerary rites?

Most aren’t aware that Stonehenge is just one part of a huge ancient city. Burial barrow mounds and other architectural sites surround the Stonehenge structure in an intricate layout. This layout and Stonehenge’s design was widely copied in ancient times, for example in the Mesopotamian cosmic city. Stone henges were built around the world, from Asia to the Americas. Cosmic circular cities with connecting avenues like the Stonehenge site are found notably in the Amazon rain forest. But the Stonehenge site is the best preserved example. The Salisbury Plain still effuses a mystical and religious atmosphere that can be physically felt.

The exact dimensions of Stonehenge’s circular structure, raised central mound, and entrance avenue were copied at Huenenborg, in the European mainland.

Universe map – The first monoliths were erected in 2500 B.C but the site was first worked about 3500 BC, at the end of the Stone Age and as Egypt was just becoming united. Scientists are still baffled at the construction techniques, how the stones were shaped, transported, and raised. But a vast civilization must have provided the power and inspiration for the once covered edifice.

Why such effort for a mere time piece? Stonehenge’s structure aligns to the solstices, sun paths, moon phases, paths of the stars, and even predictions of eclipses. Astronomicist Steven Hawkings suggests it was an attempt at time travel. Perhaps it was a leap toward eternal life for the dead. This was the same endeavor that obsessed the world’s other great civilization of the time, Egypt.

The world’s first great temple that we are aware of, first great piece of architecture, still stands and effects the world as only architecture can do. It is a silent record of history and human sensibility from the earliest of times. New research and preservation efforts, including a new visitor’s center, will hopefully give greater insight in the meaning of this primeval structure.


(Adamsan– wikipedia/creative commons & GNU license license

(1). Altar Stone (2). Barrow without any burial (3). Barrows without any burial (4). Slaughter Stone (fallen over) (5). Heel Stone (6). Station Stones- two of four (7). surrounding ditch (8). inner bank (9). outer bank (10). Avenue 3km long to River Avon (11). 30 Y Holes (12). 29 Z Holes (13). 56 Aubrey holes (14). southern entrance

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(dannysullivan– flickr/creative commons license)

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(featured image by Nedarb, Mavratti on creative commons/public domain)