The History of Stonehenge for Kids: Stonehenge for Children - FreeSchool

Summary

Stonehenge, an ancient stone circle located in England, has intrigued visitors for thousands of years. Estimated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, it predates the pyramids of Giza. Archaeologists have pieced together its history through excavation, as there is no written record of its construction or original purpose. Stonehenge served as a burial site and may have been a calendar or an observatory for celestial bodies. It is widely believed to have been used for religious ceremonies. The monument's construction evolved from earthworks to wooden structures, and finally to the current arrangement of massive standing stones. The largest stones, known as sarsens, weigh up to 25 tons and were transported from a distance of 20 miles, while smaller bluestones, averaging 4 tons each, were brought from over 140 miles away in Wales. The precise positioning of the stones aligns with significant astronomical events, such as the midsummer sunrise and the winter solstice. Today, Stonehenge is a protected World Heritage Site, attracting a million visitors annually, who continue to marvel at its mysteries and the ancient phenomena it marks.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ Stonehenge is an ancient stone circle that is older than the pyramids of Giza, dating back between 4,000 and 5,000 years.
• 🏺 There is no written record of its construction or original purpose, with information pieced together by archaeologists.
• 📍 The monument was used as a place of burial and possibly as a calendar or for astronomical observations.
• ⛩ Most believe Stonehenge was used for religious ceremonies, although its exact purpose remains a mystery.
• 🛠️ The earliest structures at Stonehenge were earthworks and ditches, which were later replaced by wooden structures and then by standing stones.
• 🏞️ The stones, both large sarsens and smaller bluestones, were transported from various distances to the site over hundreds of years.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The largest stones, the sarsens, are up to 30 feet tall and weigh an average of 25 tons, while the bluestones, from Wales, weigh about 4 tons each.
• 🚢 The method of transporting the stones is still debated, with theories including rolling on tree trunks, dragging in baskets, or moving by boat.
• 🧭 The stones were placed with great precision, aligning with significant astronomical events like the midsummer sunrise and the winter solstice sunset.
• 🏛️ Today, Stonehenge is a World Heritage Site, visited by about a million people annually who come to witness the ancient phenomena.
• ❓ Despite its fame and study, many mysteries about Stonehenge's construction and purpose continue to intrigue and puzzle researchers and visitors alike.

Q & A

What is the name of the ancient stone circle in England that has mystified visitors for millennia?

Stonehenge

Is Stonehenge older or younger than the pyramids of Giza?

Stonehenge is older than the pyramids of Giza.

What is the estimated age range of Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is probably between 4,000 and 5,000 years old.

What were some of the uses of Stonehenge?

Stonehenge was used as a place of burial, possibly as a calendar, and for studying the movements of the stars and worshiping the Sun and Moon.

What is the most widely accepted belief regarding the primary use of Stonehenge?

Most believe that Stonehenge was used for religious ceremonies.

What materials were used in the earliest versions of Stonehenge?

The earliest versions of Stonehenge were made of earthworks and ditches, with tools made of antlers.

What are the two types of stones mentioned in the script and what are their approximate weights?

The two types of stones are sarsens, which weigh an average of 25 tons, and bluestones, which weigh an average of 4 tons.

How far were the bluestones believed to have been transported to reach Stonehenge?

The bluestones are believed to have been brought from Wales, more than 140 miles or 225 kilometers away.

What are some of the theories on how the stones were transported to Stonehenge?

Theories include rolling the stones on tree trunks, dragging them in huge baskets pulled by oxen, or moving them by boat with the help of the nearby river Avon.

What is the significance of the alignment of certain stones at Stonehenge?

Certain stones in the ancient circle line up with the midsummer sunrise and the winter solstice sunset, marking the longest and shortest days of the year.

How many people visit Stonehenge each year, and when do many of them visit?

About a million people visit Stonehenge each year, with many visiting at midsummer and midwinter to view the ancient phenomena related to the sun.

What is the current status of Stonehenge in terms of preservation and recognition?

Stonehenge is a carefully protected World Heritage Site.