How Was Stonehenge Created? | Animated History

Summary

Stonehenge is a marvel of ancient human ingenuity, with its origins dating back 5,000 years. The site began as a simple circular ditch but evolved over centuries. By 2,500 BC, giant sarsen stones from Wiltshire and smaller bluestones from Wales, over 250 km away, were transported and erected with precision. Ingenious techniques, such as interlocking joints and mortice and tenon systems, were used to fit the stones. Construction spanned over 800 years, showcasing incredible engineering skills. Today, Stonehenge stands as one of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in the world.

Takeaways

• 📜 Stonehenge is surrounded by many myths and legends involving giants, Merlin, and even aliens, but these are not true.
• 💡 Stonehenge is a masterpiece of human ingenuity and engineering, constructed over thousands of years.
• ⛏️ The first version of Stonehenge was a simple circular ditch dug with antler tools around 5,000 years ago.
• 🪨 Around 2,500 BC, larger sarsen stones, some weighing up to 30 tons, were brought from North Wiltshire to the site.
• 🌍 Smaller bluestones were transported from Wales, a distance of over 250 kilometers, showcasing the builders' incredible logistical capabilities.
• 🔨 Stones were shaped using hammerstones, and precisely interlocking joints were used, a technique not seen at other prehistoric sites.
• 🛠️ Mortice holes and tenons were made to connect the upright stones to the horizontal lintels, similar to woodworking techniques.
• 🚧 Ramps, counterweights, and platforms were likely used to lift and place the stones, demonstrating advanced engineering skills.
• ⏳ Erecting the stones took up to 50 years, and the entire monument's construction spanned over 800 years.
• 🏛️ Stonehenge stands as an iconic example of prehistoric engineering, unparalleled in scale and complexity.

Q & A

What are some of the myths and legends associated with the creation of Stonehenge?

Some myths and legends associated with the creation of Stonehenge include stories about giants, Merlin, and even aliens.

How was the first version of Stonehenge constructed?

The first version of Stonehenge was a simple circular ditch, dug with antler tools around 5,000 years ago.

When were the larger stones brought to Stonehenge, and where did they come from?

By around 2,500 BC, larger stones, including giant sarsen stones, were brought to Stonehenge from North Wiltshire.

How much did the sarsen stones used in Stonehenge weigh?

The sarsen stones used in Stonehenge could weigh as much as 30 tons.

How were the stones transported to the site of Stonehenge?

It is thought that the stones were dragged on wooden rollers and loaded onto rafts when possible.

Where did the smaller bluestones used in Stonehenge come from, and how far did they travel?

The smaller bluestones were brought from Wales, a journey of over 250 kilometers to the Stonehenge site.

How were the stones shaped and erected at Stonehenge?

The stones were worked into shape using hammerstones, and ramps, counterweights, platforms, and levers were likely used to tip them into place and raise the horizontal lintels.

What kind of joints were used in the construction of Stonehenge, and how were they made?

Mortice holes and protruding tenons were used to fit the upright stones with horizontal lintels, and the lintels were slotted together using tongue and groove joints, which are typically found in woodworking.

How long did it take to erect the stones at Stonehenge?

It took as long as 50 years to erect the stones at Stonehenge.

How long did the entire development of Stonehenge take?

The entire development of Stonehenge took up to 800 years in total.