This week we are traveling to Wiltshire, England which is home to one of the most famous prehistoric sites in England, Stonehenge. Most scientists believe this amazing site was built somewhere around 3000 B.C. to 2000 B.C. according to carbon dating. The most amazing thing about Stonehenge though is the way in which is was erected. With the tallest stone stretching 22 feet high, there are a few theories of how prehistoric people were able to create this fascinating monument. One theory includes using timber, most likely large logs, to move the stones into place and then using a different unknown contraption to stack them on top of each other. Many myths surround Stonehenge because we do not know the actual way it was made. One of the most famous myths is that a tribe of giants moved the stones from Africa to Ireland and then from there the stones were flown to England by the wizard Merlin. Another myth including Merlin states that the stones were stolen from an Irish woman by the devil and were then re-erected on Salisbury Plain by Merlin. Adding to the suspicions about Stonehenge, there has been a discovery of human bones around the site as well. Because of this discovery, many scientists believe that Stonehenge was used as a burial ground. Though we do not know if this is true, we do know that Stonehenge can be used to predict the solstice, equinox and eclipse. If you are interested in learning more about Stonehenge then you should definitely visit this place someday. An all new visitors center opened its doors in December of 2013. This is where you can learn more about the history of this amazing attraction.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Week 3: Stonehenge
This week we are traveling to Wiltshire, England which is home to one of the most famous prehistoric sites in England, Stonehenge. Most scientists believe this amazing site was built somewhere around 3000 B.C. to 2000 B.C. according to carbon dating. The most amazing thing about Stonehenge though is the way in which is was erected. With the tallest stone stretching 22 feet high, there are a few theories of how prehistoric people were able to create this fascinating monument. One theory includes using timber, most likely large logs, to move the stones into place and then using a different unknown contraption to stack them on top of each other. Many myths surround Stonehenge because we do not know the actual way it was made. One of the most famous myths is that a tribe of giants moved the stones from Africa to Ireland and then from there the stones were flown to England by the wizard Merlin. Another myth including Merlin states that the stones were stolen from an Irish woman by the devil and were then re-erected on Salisbury Plain by Merlin. Adding to the suspicions about Stonehenge, there has been a discovery of human bones around the site as well. Because of this discovery, many scientists believe that Stonehenge was used as a burial ground. Though we do not know if this is true, we do know that Stonehenge can be used to predict the solstice, equinox and eclipse. If you are interested in learning more about Stonehenge then you should definitely visit this place someday. An all new visitors center opened its doors in December of 2013. This is where you can learn more about the history of this amazing attraction.
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I would love to be able to go to England someday. It's so beautiful and your blog just makes me want to go so bad!!
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have a great knowledge and passion for England! I enjoy reading your insightful posts.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be really cool to go to England to see these rocks it would be really interesting (:
ReplyDeleteI've never been to England and I honestly don't know much about it, but it seems like it would be a great place to go on vacation from everything you say
ReplyDeleteEngland is a beautiful place. I hope I can visit England one day.
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