Stonehenge
The History and Mystery of Stonehenge One of the most mysterious and intriguing pieces of architecture is the design of stones at Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, named Stonehenge. Its purpose still remains unclear, but historians and archaeologists have speculated that is was used for either a grounds for the worship of ancient deities or an astrological observatory in order to mark significant events on the calendar used at the time. Today the area has been believed to be more of a celebration of the living and the heavenly bodies, more than a tribute place for the dead. The effort, time, and income used to build Stonehenge makes the modern observer believe that it was most definitely built for an important and special purpose. Many believe that the construction was built by the Druids between 3000 and 1500 BCE. The stones that remain in tact today simply represent the original design of Stonehenge. There is little that is interpreted from the design that remains today. Scholars and historians have to deduce the original meaning of the design of the stones from what remains today. Many of the stones have fallen over or were removed by other generations for use in other purposes. There has also been much damag
Today, scholars and historians believe that the use of Stonehenge was geared not only toward astronomical observation, but also took large part in ritual ceremonies. The astronomical observations recorded by Stonehenge were not relative to the modern tradition of the recording of the movement of celestial bodies through astronomical readings. Its purpose, however, was more to indicate the specific days of yearly traditions. Archaeologists and historians believe that Stonehenge was intended to be used as a place for ritual ceremonies more so than a precise astronomical observatory for many reasons. The structure contains far more stones than is needed for a traditional observatory, and is too large. The size of the separate stones and the entire figure itself, causes many imprecise lines of sight and prevents a view over the very tall stones. Stonehenge is set in an area of England that is the site of many burial tombs. It has been proven that while the structure may have had some pertinence in ancient burial rituals, but was probably used more for the celebrating of earthly beings more so than simply a tribute to the dead. Stonehenge's alignment with the sun and the moon give more reason to think of it as a celebratory place than a sanctuary for the dead. The sun and the moon are beloved and worshiped heavenly bodies that are celebrated by the inhabitants of the earth. Its alignment suggests the performance of yearly rituals to their heavenly bodies rather than a place for tribute whenever a person dies. Historians believe that many cultures in ancient times held large festivals and gatherings at times of solstices and equinoxes. These festivals and rituals are held under
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