Enigma of the centuries

Stonehenge is the most famous prehistoric monument in Britain. It is located in the middle of Salisbury Plain, to the northwest of Southampton.

E ven now, nearly 4000 years after it was built, large numbers of tourists come to see it, especially on June 21. When the sun rises immediately over the Hell Stone of circle and casts its shadow on the Altar Stone in the middle.

Stonehenge

It was started about 2700 B.C. by the late Neolithic people. Then Some around 2000 B.C. the Baker people continued to build it. Stonehange was built at various stages and finished at about 1500 B.C.

Later a double semicircle of Bluestones was put up. At about 2000 B.C. the Bluestones were removed, and two double circles were built.

The lintel Stones (horizontal ones) were raised and put into position over the two vertical stones

It was used: i. as temple to the sun ii. As a calendar iii. For astronomical measurements

At one time, people thought that Stonehange was a Druid temple

Druids

There were many beliefs and superstitions concerning Midsummer and Stonehenge, often to do with happenings in the future. Bright yellow flower, rather like little sun, which blooms around 24 th June, and is called St. Johns Wort. It was considered to have magical properties of driving away the evil spirit. Midsummer

William Shakespeare wrote a play called A Midsummer Nights Dream. Midsummer

Stonehenge Legends There are probably hundreds of myths and legends about Stonehenge. Various people have attributed the building of this great megalith to the Danes, Romans, Saxons, Greeks, Atlanteans, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Celts.

According to one of this legends the devil built it in one single night. He flew backwards and forwards between Ireland and Salisbury Plain carrying the stones one by one, and putting them in place.

The stone which the devil threw is known as the heel stone. It steel can be seen standing by the side of the road and it really has the form of the heel of a shoe.