There is strong archaeological evidence that Stonehenge was used as a burial site, at least for part of its long history, but most scholars believe it served other functions as well—either as a ceremonial site, a religious pilgrimage destination, a final resting place for royalty or a memorial erected to honor and

What is Stonehenge and why is it important?

A World Heritage Site Stonehenge is the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world, while Avebury is the largest in the world. Together with inter-related monuments and their associated landscapes, they help us to understand Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial and mortuary practices.

Why was Stonehenge possibly created?

In the 17th and 18th centuries, many believed Stonehenge was a Druid temple, built by those ancient Celtic pagans as a center for their religious worship. The presence of these remains suggests that Stonehenge could have served as an ancient burial ground as well as a ceremonial complex and temple of the dead.

What is the story behind Stonehenge?

Built in several stages, Stonehenge began about 5,000 years ago as a simple earthwork enclosure where prehistoric people buried their cremated dead. The stone circle was erected in the centre of the monument in the late Neolithic period, around 2500 BC.

What are three reasons why Stonehenge was built?

Stonehenge: 7 Reasons the Mysterious Monument Was BuiltSacred hunting ground. Unity monument? Astronomical calendar. Stonehenge sound illusion. Elite cemetery. Giant bells. Healing site.21 Mar 2014

What are the 7 Man Made Wonders of the World?

The Seven Wonders of the World are the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, the Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, Petra, and the Great Wall of China. Our world is filled with the most unique structures that are both man-made and natural.

Can you go inside the stones at Stonehenge?

There are opportunities to go inside Stonehenge during special Stone Circle Access visits, which must be booked in advance and take place before and after normal opening hours, when daylight allows. We also give people access to the stone circle for winter and summer solstice celebrations.