Stonehenge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stonehenge is a prehistoric site a few kilometres north of Salisbury in Wiltshire in England. It is made of earth and stones standing in circles. Most scientists agree there were three main building phases, each between about 3100 BC and 1950 BC. Most of the construction took place between 2640 and 2480 BC.[1] The site was in use until the Bronze Age. The stones are of several different varieties, some of which have been transported from many miles away. There are also several passage tombs and many Tumuli nearby.
No one knows who built Stonehenge or why they built it. During the summer solstice, the sunrise lines up with some of the stones in a particular way. This suggests that the arrangement of stones may work as a calendar. In Egypt and South America, similar very old buildings can be found. They also show the time of the solstice. Some people claim that it has magic powers.
Stonehenge itself is owned by the Crown and managed by English Heritage while the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust.[2][3]
[change] References
- ↑ Marc Kaufman (January 31, 2007). An Ancient Settlement is Unearthed Near Stonehenge. The Washington Post. Retrieved on 23 May 2008.
- ↑ How did Stonehenge come into the care of English Heritage?. FAQs on Stonehenge. English Heritage. Retrieved on 17 December 2007.
- ↑ Ancient ceremonial landscape of great archaeological and wildlife interest. Stonehenge Landscape. National Trust. Retrieved on 17 December 2007.
