A famous archaeological site, UNESCO World Heritage, and one of the central enigmas in the history of our time. Who, when, and why built Stonehenge? There are no answers to numerous questions regarding the famous stone structure. But there are many theories and myths that will be analyzed now.

Myth #1. Stonehenge is a one-of-a-kind structure.

In fact, megalithic structures of that time are found throughout Britain and Europe, and sometimes even on other continents. Most often, they served as places of worship, tombs, or dwellings.

Myth #2. Stonehenge was built by druids, priests of the ancient Celts.

In fact, archaeological excavations and research have shown that Stonehenge is much older than the Druids, the first mention of whom appeared only at the turn of time. Stonehenge dates back to the Stone and Bronze Ages, 8 to 1 centuries BC.

Myth #3. Stonehenge was used for rituals and burials.

Burials of people are indeed found near and within the area of the monument. But the remains are often either younger or older than Stonehenge by several centuries. According to one theory, Stonehenge was erected by the Iberians, the ancestors of the Basques. They had lived here before the Celts and used the stones as a temple of the Sun where they buried their nobles and made ritual sacrifices.

Myth #4. Stonehenge is an ancient observatory.

The position of the stones can indeed be linked to astronomical phenomena, the movement of the Sun, Moon, and some other astronomical bodies. The number of stones in the outer circle corresponds to the lunar cycle. Their location corresponds to the winter and summer solstices. Nevertheless, the monument ignores the spring and autumn solstices, which other ancient people used for chronology-building.

Stonehenge is a white spot in the history of civilization. Did they pray to ancient gods here, make sacrifices, crown and bury their leaders, study the starry sky? It is unlikely that scientists will find answers to the questions that thrill the world so much any time soon. But this doesn’t prevent Stonehenge from being and remaining a place of power and an attraction for tourists from all over the world.