Stonehenge is a monumental stone structure located in the Wiltshire region in the south of the United Kingdom, constructed through a long building process that spans from the Neolithic Age to the Bronze Age. Shaped in various phases between 3000 BCE and 1600 BCE, this structure is considered a multifunctional complex that reflects ritual practices based on celestial events, burial ceremonies, and social integration during prehistoric times. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986, Stonehenge is regarded as one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in human history.

^{Stonehenge (Pixabay)}

Historical Background and Construction Processes

Data regarding the construction of Stonehenge has been revealed in considerable detail thanks to archaeological excavations and geological studies. The structure consists of different historical layers and building phases. The earliest evidence of construction dates to around 3000 BCE and consists of a circular ditch accompanied by an outward-facing earthen bank (henge). In this early phase, it is estimated that 56 circular pits known as the Aubrey Holes were created and possibly surrounded by wooden posts.

The second and most well-known construction phase of the structure occurred around 2500 BCE; during this period, large sarsen stones (approximately 7 meters in height and weighing up to 25 tons) were transported and arranged in a central circle and horseshoe shape. By placing horizontal lintel stones on top of these upright stones, they were joined together, resulting in a stable structure. This structural system required an advanced level of engineering knowledge for its time.

The smaller bluestones were brought from the Preseli Hills in Wales, located about 250 kilometers away. This indicates that Neolithic societies possessed a developed network of transportation and coordination and that the stones were transported from distant regions due to their symbolic or ritual significance. Some of these stones were rearranged multiple times over the centuries and positioned in the central horseshoe formation. Archaeological evidence reveals that some stones had previously been used in other structures, reworked, and incorporated into new configurations.

^{Stonehenge (Bernd Feurich, pexels)}

The historical discovery of Stonehenge is a process as layered as its construction. The first written records were made in the 12th century by the historian Henry of Huntingdon. Visual depictions of the site appeared in the 14th century; however, systematic archaeological investigations did not begin until the early 20th century. The excavation carried out by William Gowland in 1901 is considered the precursor of modern scientific research. Excavations conducted by William Hawley between 1919 and 1926, and later by Richard Atkinson, Stuart Piggott, and John Stone between 1950 and 1964, helped to identify the different phases of the structure. In 1995, the detailed chronology of Stonehenge’s construction was thoroughly documented in a comprehensive report published by Ros Cleal, Karen Walker, and Rebecca Montague.

^{The Erection of a Stone Secured to a Wooden Frame, 1901 (Rawpixel)}

Function and Interpretations

The positioning of each stone was guided by the sunrise at the summer solstice and the sunset at the winter solstice; therefore, the axis of Stonehenge is aligned in an east–west direction. The smaller bluestones were brought from the Preseli Hills in Wales, approximately 250 kilometers away. This indicates that Neolithic societies possessed a sophisticated transportation and coordination network and that the stones were transported from distant regions due to their symbolic or ritual significance.

The numerous cremation remains unearthed during excavations demonstrate that Stonehenge also functioned as a burial ground in its early phases. The remains of approximately 150 to 200 individuals have been discovered. Moreover, the burnt human remains and traces of funerary activities found in the excavations suggest that Stonehenge served not only as a cemetery but also as a site of ancestral reverence. This ritual context points to the sharing of common religious ideas with other stone circles constructed during similar periods across Britain and continental Europe.

This multifunctionality suggests that the structure played a central role both in religious ceremonies and in the construction of social identity. Furthermore, the hypothesis that the stones possessed ritual properties and were thus deliberately selected from specific regions emphasizes that Stonehenge should be considered not only a physical construction but also a symbolic one.

^{Stonehenge (Kris Schulze, pexels)}

Cultural Heritage Status and Conservation

In 1986, Stonehenge, along with Avebury and associated sites, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This decision was based on the site's recognition as possessing “outstanding universal value.” UNESCO emphasizes Stonehenge’s capacity to provide insights into the social, cultural, and astronomical knowledge of prehistoric humanity. In this context, the monument is not only a remnant of the past but also a source of cultural continuity and scientific inquiry in the present.

Today, despite intense tourist interest, Stonehenge is monitored under scientific conservation strategies and protected together with its surrounding landscape. This process aims to regulate visitor traffic, preserve the site's physical integrity, and enhance public awareness based on accurate information. In particular, long-term transportation solutions have been debated due to roads near the monument threatening its visual and physical integrity. The closure of the A344 road in 2013 and the opening of a new visitor center marked significant steps in this preservation effort.