Stonehenge
The prehistoric megalith monument built in Wiltshire, England dates from 3100 years B.C.
Along with Avebury, Stonehenge is one of the most famous groups of megaliths in the world.
Stonehenge is older than the Egyptian pyramids. From UNESCO, 'Stonehenge is the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world, while Avebury is the largest. Together with inter-related monuments, and their associated landscapes, they demonstrate Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial and mortuary practices resulting from around 2000 years of continuous use'.
Wessex 3100 BC
Stonehenge was built over several construction phases spanning around 1,500 years. Construction on and around the monument puts the age of the site at 6,500 years. This pre-dates the Druids and European migration so the most likely builders of Stonehenge are Neolithic Britons from the Wessex area.Size
The tallest upright stone at Stonehenge is 22 feet high (6.7m), with another 8ft (2.4m) below ground. That is a total length of 30ft (9.1m) and has an estimated weight of 40-50 tons.That is higher than a 3 storey building and weighing more than a 6 African elephants.
Legacy
Stonehenge is one of the most impressive prehistoric megalithic monuments in the world on account of the sheer size of its megaliths, the sophistication of its concentric plan and architectural design, the shaping of the stones - uniquely using both Wiltshire Sarsen sandstone and Pembroke Bluestone - and the precision with which it was built.
The survival of Stonehenge is exceptional and remarkable given it's age. It is a true wonder that we are still able to experience this 'Wonder of the World'.
