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Stonehenge seems to have been constructed in three phases, covering the period from 2200B.C. to 1200B.C. It was magnificent feat of megalithic engineering. The gigantic sarsen stones, great sandstone boulders arranged like doorways and capped with stone lintels, weigh up to 50 tons and were dragged to the site from the Marlborough Downs 30km (20 miles) to the north, in a time when wheeled vehicles were unknown. The bluestones forming the smaller pillars came from Prescelly in South West Wales, over 161km (100 miles) away.
The 'how' of Stonehenge construction is intriguing enough, but the important question is why the prehistoric builders should labour for centuries to build such an awe inspiring monument. As far back as the 18th century Stonehenge investigators realised that the stones that make up Stonehenge are aligned to the midsummer sunrise.
From the centre of the circle, facing out through one of the massive arches, to the ceremonial entrance, it is possible to see the sun rise directly over the great pillar known as the Heel Stone.
Detailed analysis has shown a whole series of astronomical alignments which would explain why Stonehenge was built in this precise spot, regardless of the problems posed by bringing stones from distant quarries.
Many experts now believe that Stonehenge was an astronomical observatory, built under the instructions of astronomer-priests who used it to chart the movements of the celestial bodies and draw up a calendar for planting, harvesting and breeding cattle. If the sun and moon were regarded as gods, this would explain the grandeur of a structure that could have served as a religious centre, a place of worship and ritual. Cremated human remains have been found at the site, which might indicate human sacrifice, or possibly the funeral rites of revered leaders.
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