Stonehenge, 4/30/08


Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about 8.1 mi north of Salisbury. One of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of earthworks surrounding a circular setting of large standing stones. Archaeologists believe that the standing stones were erected around 2200 BC and the surrounding circular earth bank and ditch, which constitute the earliest phase of the monument, have been dated to about 3100 BC. The site and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1986 in a co-listing with Avebury henge monument, and it is also a legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument. Stonehenge itself is owned by the Crown and managed by English Heritage while the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust.

Many aspects of Stonehenge remain subject to debate. There is little or no direct evidence for the construction techniques used by the Stonehenge builders. Over the years, various authors have suggested that supernatural or anachronistic methods were used, usually asserting that the stones were impossible to move otherwise. However, conventional techniques using Neolithic technology have been demonstrably effective at moving and placing stones this size. Proposed functions for the site include usage as an astronomical observatory, or as a religious site. Other theories have advanced supernatural or symbolic explanations for the construction.

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Stonehenge Stonehenge - Outer Sarsen Circle (2300 BC) Stonehenge - Outer Sarsen Circle (2300 BC) and Inner Horseshoe
Stonehenge - Inner Horseshoe of Sarsen Trilothons Stonehenge - Outer Sarsen Circle with Mortice and Tenon Joints Stonehenge Stonehenge - Outer Sarsen Circle with Partial Bluestone Circle (2000 BC)
Stonehenge - Outer Sarsen Circle with Partial Bluestone Circle (2000 BC) Stonehenge - Outer Sarsen Circle with Partial Bluestone Circle (2000 BC) Stonehenge - Outer Sarsen Circle with Partial Bluestone Circle (2000 BC) Stonehenge - Inner Circle with Partial Bluestone Circle (2000 BC) Stonehenge - Outer Sarsen Circle
Becky, Kathy and Jim at Stonehenge

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