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| | Stonehenge -- world famous stone megalithic structure on Salisbury plain in England, located approximately 130 km to the southwest of London. The first attempt of interpretation of Stonehenge as grandiose observatory of Stone Age belongs to J. Hawkins and J. White. Majority of researchers, after studying the Stonehenge from history-archaeological and astronomical point of views, categorize it as proof of brilliant astronomical knowledge of ancient British. It is not excluded, that for ancient inhabitants of Britain and north of France, megalithic structures of Stonehenge type were both astronomical and ritual structures. Study of planets, stars, sun rise and sunsets and the moon and also burial of dead people was done in these structures. Existing numerous burial grounds and other ceremonial places speak about the burying of dead in these structures. Probably, burial was done only at certain time, connected with phases of moon or other natural phenomena. Monumental complexes of ancient architecture Maya in Central America, for example, observatories were built and through astronomical observations were carried out in well-known ancient complexes of Mexico, with same functionality as that of Stonehenge existed. According to most popular version, name originated from English Stone Hedge --stone enclosure. Official information about the monument can be found on site “English Heritage”. Stonehenge Is in the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
History of Stonehenge:
First archeologists linked Stonehenge with druidic, excavations, but, put the creation time of Stonehenge to New stone and Bronze ages. Modern dating of elements of Stonehenge is based on radiocarbon method. At present, the following phases are identified:
Phase 1: Construction of main ditch and banks. Significant quantity of deer antlers with traces of “worn-out” were found in the ditch. Since silt was not found below these antlers, it was assumed that the ditch has been dug soon after killing of deer. Last event dated by radiocarbon method was 3020-2910 BC. In this case, some deviation samples are available.
Phase 2: Secondary filling of ditch, wooden structures and Aubrey holes.
Phase 3: Funeral incision in top of secondary filling of ditch, construction of stone rings from sandstone and blue stones, avenue and holes Y & Z. Material for dating of boulders sarsen, available in rather limited quantity, indicates 2440 - 2100 BC |
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