O stonehenge shrine is one of the main architectural monuments of the Neolithic period, the final stage of Prehistory, when human groups began to settle down and practice agriculture, creating a series of tools with new materials and new techniques. From the studies that are carried out on Stonehenge, it is also clear that during this period knowledge about astronomical phenomena was being developed. However, the lack of documentation and clearer archaeological remains prevent a deeper understanding of the functions performed by the sanctuary throughout its existence, which leads to the creation of a series of theories and speculations about Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is located on the plain of Salisbury, in the county of Wiltshire, near London, in England. It is one of the best known tourist spots in the country. In addition, the Stonehenge sanctuary is understood as a place of astronomical observation, especially in the time of the summer and winter solstices, as the stones seem to have been arranged according to the position of the sun at these times of the year. On the other hand, there are indications that the place was used for the performance of religious rituals, evidencing the union that exists in humanity between astronomical knowledge and domain religious.
Stonehenge is formed by huge blocks of stones arranged in a circular shape and built from 3100 BC onwards. a., in three phases of construction. The first would be a wooden structure. The second would have been made with blue stones from the region of Wales, 400 km away from Stonehenge. The third phase would constitute the current shape of the sanctuary. These blue stones still make up the sanctuary, being located in its central circle. In the core of the sanctuary there is a kind of altar, formed by stone benches.
It is believed that religious ceremonies were performed at the site, mainly by druids, who performed sacrifices and rituals aimed at the worship of the solar deity. These rituals could also be constituted as festivals, in which the druids also performed some functions outside the religious sphere, such as judicial ones.
Archeological excavations also indicate that the site may have been used as a cemetery because of the mortal remains found at the site and the way in which these remains were disposed of.
Many doubts and superstitions hover over Stonehenge, which ends up strengthening its tourist vocation. There are also other archaeological sites similar to Stonehenge in Great Britain. North of Stonehenge there is the complex of Avebury, dating close to the famous sanctuary. Evidence has been found in northern Scotland, in the Orkney Islands, of the existence of the Brodgar Headland, a complex of hundreds of buildings, surrounded by a monumental wall, possibly 200 years older than Stonehenge.
By Tales Pinto
Graduated in History
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiag/o-santuario-stonehenge.htm
