ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science → Archaeology

Stonehenge was built on solstice axis, dig confirms

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
September 9, 2013
in Archaeology
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

RelatedPosts

8,000-Year-Old Olive Oil Found in Ancient Clay Pots
UK Archaeologists find 5 long-lost Roman roads
Lost, 2000-year-old Mayan civilization in Guatemala rediscovered with the help of lasers
Archaeologists Discover The World’s Largest Ancient Stone Block

Excavations conducted by the English Heritage have shown that Stonehenge has nothing to do with Sun worsipping and that the circle we see today was once complete.

Stonehenge, Amesbury, Wiltshire, Britain

According to them, they discovered an important piece of the jigsaw puzzle in understanding Stonehenge – Englands greatest prehistoric site, and one of the most significant in the world. Excavations along the ancient route to the monument have shown that it was built along an ice age landform that happened to be on the solstice axis.

Beneath the tarmac (short for tarmacadam, or tar-penetration macadam) which paved the processional road, archaeologists found naturally occurring fissures that once lay between ridges against which prehistoric builders dug ditches to create the Avenue. It is believed that the ridges were created by Ice Age meltwater, and they just happen to point directly at the mid-winter sunset in one direction and the mid-summer sunrise in the other.

Professor Mike Parker Pearson, a leading expert on Stonehenge, said: “It’s hugely significant because it tells us a lot about why Stonehenge was located where it is and why they [prehistoric people] were so interested in the solstices. It’s not to do with worshipping the sun, some kind of calendar or astronomical observatory; it’s about how this place was special to prehistoric people. This natural landform happens to be on the solstice axis, which brings heaven and earth into one. So the reason that Stonehenge is all about the solstices, we think, is because they actually saw this in the land.”

The dig also uncovered three holes where missing stones would have stood on the outer sarsen circle – evidence that the Stonehenge circle was once complete. Asked why no one noticed these actual holes, Susan Greaney, an English Heritage historian, explained:

“The problem is we’ve not had a decent dry summer in many years. Stonehenge is always regularly watered, and the only reason these have shown up is because – for some reason this year – their hose was too short … So we’re very lucky.”

Tags: archaeologyStonehenge

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

default
Inventions

From Farms to Lost Cities, Drones Are Quietly Revolutionizing Modern Science

byMihai Andrei
2 hours ago
Anthropology

Obsidian Artifacts Reveal a Hidden, Thriving Economy in the Aztec Empire

byMihai Andrei
1 week ago
Anthropology

Neanderthals Crafted Bone Spears 30,000 Years Before Modern Humans Came In

byTudor Tarita
2 weeks ago
Anthropology

16,000-Year-Old Dog-Like Skeleton Found in France Raises Haunting Questions

byTudor Tarita
4 weeks ago

Recent news

A Team of Researchers Brought the World’s First Chatbot Back to Life After 60 Years

May 22, 2025
default

From Farms to Lost Cities, Drones Are Quietly Revolutionizing Modern Science

May 22, 2025

Professional Bodybuilders Are Five Times More Likely to Die Suddenly Than Amateurs. Yes, it’s Because of the Drugs

May 22, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.