Stonehenge is an ancient landmark with thousands of years of historical significance. This place is also considered one of the very few places that hold its importance even today. Surviving many eras such as the Victorians, the Saxons, the Romans, etc., these spectacular megaliths have equally puzzled historians and archaeologists.
Visit Stonehenge can be a helping guide in planning the best tour to Wiltshire, England. When in this place, visit Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath to make the most of your visit to England. They can help you plan everything on your behalf, including all the places that you should cover in your visit.
The Origin
Almost everyone has this question buzzing in their mind whenever they visit the stone circle. The speculations go from the aliens, wizards, druids, Merlin, etc., to many other ideas that might have caused the origin of the circle.
When looking through the historical pages, there is speculation stating that the initial digging of the ditch surrounding the circle started in 3100 BC, which was the time of the pre-Celtic people. It is also believed that there was the involvement of Neolithic people in the digging.
After 3100 BC came 2000 BC when there was a rise of the first bluestones from the group of builders that were unknown to anyone at that time. It is also concluded that there was the addition of an outer sarsen stone ring in 2000 BC to the circle.
The Significance
Since these megaliths came into existence even before the idea of writing was invented, no one can clearly state the actual purpose of the origin of these stones. The stones are placed in the horseshoe formation which makes them align perfectly with the sunrise during both the winter solstice and summer months. Hence, historians have concluded that these stones might have some religious significance.
The Presence
No historians can clearly explain the presence of these stones in that particular place, which is a hundred and fifty miles away from Pembrokeshire in Wales. However, the only thing that they can conclude is that it might have required lots and lots of labour and hard work to bring the circle to existence.
Why Stonehenge?
Studies have concluded that the term “floating stones” paved way for the name Stonehenge. The historical studies dating to 1130 AD, mention the term ‘Stonehenge’. Hence, concluding that this is what gave birth to the name Stonehenge.
Bath is another historical place that you can visit when in Wiltshire, England. This place is not as popular as Stonehenge but has its significance from the time of the Romans. The name of the place, “BATH”, came into existence because of the term “ROMAN BATH”, and Romans believed that the water in this place had some healing significance.
After you visit Stonehenge and Bath, do not forget to check out many beautiful and historical places in Wiltshire, England. Each place has its importance in the pages of history books. Your visit here will be a worthwhile and a memorable one.