Short History Of…: Stonehenge (Repeat)
Host: John Hopkins
Production Team: Katrina Hughes, Kate Simants, Nicole Edmunds, Jacob Booth, Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer, Cody Reynolds-Shaw
Composers: Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Introduction to Stonehenge
In the episode titled "Stonehenge (Repeat)" from the Short History Of… podcast hosted by John Hopkins, listeners are transported back to around 3000 BC on Salisbury Plain, southern England. The narrative opens with a vivid depiction of a Neolithic family journeying towards an emerging monumental structure—the iconic Stonehenge. This introduction sets the stage for a deep dive into the enigmatic history, construction, and enduring legacy of one of the world’s most famous prehistoric sites.
Early Beginnings: Mesolithic to Neolithic Transition
The story begins approximately 9,000 years ago during the Mesolithic era, shortly after the last Ice Age. Early hunter-gatherer communities across the British Isles start establishing themselves, with Salisbury Plain becoming a focal point for communal activities. Around this time, the first construction resembling Stonehenge appears with the erection of three felled tree trunks, possibly serving as totem poles.
As the Neolithic era progresses, rising sea levels isolate Britain from continental Europe, yet Salisbury Plain retains its significance. In 3900 BC, records of communal feasts indicate growing social interactions among different clans. This period also marks the construction of the initial ditch and bank earthworks, laying the groundwork for what would become the henge—a large circular earthwork.
Julian Richards on Stonehenge’s Uniqueness
Julian Richards, freelance archaeologist and author of the latest Stonehenge Guidebook, provides expert insights:
"Stonehenge is unique because no other stone circle has stones that are shaped. It’s a period of monumental scale building all over the place... It’s almost like failing societies in other parts of the world building grand structures as a final gesture." [08:39]
Richards emphasizes that while large stone constructions were common, the meticulous shaping of Stonehenge’s stones—particularly the massive sarsens and transported bluestones—sets it apart from other contemporary structures.
Durrington Walls and Subsistence
Nearby Durrington Walls emerges as a significant settlement, potentially housing the builders of Stonehenge. Archaeological findings reveal a diet rich in beef and venison, suggesting robust trade networks that brought livestock from regions like Wales. This indicates either extensive trade or communal pilgrimages involving livestock, underscoring the complexity and organization within Neolithic societies.
Transporting the Stones: Bluestones and Sarsens
Stonehenge comprises two main types of stones: the smaller bluestones and the enormous sarsens.
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Bluestones: Originating from the Preseli Hills in West Wales, these stones were transported approximately 125 miles to Salisbury Plain—a remarkable feat for the time. Richards ponders their significance:
"Why bring these particular stones when similar ones were available locally? It suggests a symbolic connection or an effort to unify different communities." [20:38] -
Sarsens: Local to the Marlborough Downs, these massive stones average 25 tons each. Their transportation involved complex logistics, including sledges, timber rollers, and precise placement techniques to create the iconic trilithons—structures composed of two vertical stones supporting a horizontal lintel.
Construction Techniques and Architectural Marvels
The construction of Stonehenge showcases advanced Neolithic engineering.
- Shaping the Stones: Unlike other stone circles, Stonehenge’s stones were meticulously shaped using stone hammers and mauls.
- Erecting Trilithons: The placement of lintels atop sarsens required innovative methods, possibly involving wooden frames and coordination among large labor teams.
- Julian Richards remarks on the lack of direct evidence for these techniques:
"We have to make educated guesses based on what's left behind. Experiments suggest various methods, but nothing definitive." [29:39]
Purpose and Theories Surrounding Stonehenge
Despite extensive study, Stonehenge’s exact purpose remains elusive. Various theories include:
- Astronomical Observatory: Alignments with solstices suggest its use for tracking celestial events.
- Cemetery: Early burials within the henge support its role as a burial site.
- Healing Center: Some propose it served as a place of healing, leveraging its acoustic properties.
- Temple and Gathering Place: The monument may have been a focal point for communal gatherings and rituals, fostering social cohesion among disparate groups.
Changing Uses and Decline
Over millennia, Stonehenge underwent several phases:
- Roman Era: Brief use as a shrine, indicated by Roman artifacts found on-site.
- Medieval Period: Associated with Druids and woven into legends involving Merlin and giants.
- Modern Era: Stonehenge became a symbol of mystery and heritage, attracting tourists and new age practitioners.
By 1700 BC, societal shifts towards metalwork and different burial practices led to a decline in Stonehenge’s prominence. Structural alterations continued sporadically, and eventually, the site faded into obscurity until its rediscovery in historical records.
Modern Significance and Conflicts
Stonehenge holds dual significance in contemporary times:
- Spiritual Site: Remains a place of pilgrimage for Druids, pagans, and Wiccans, especially during solstices.
- Historical Monument: Symbolizes human achievement and the ingenuity of ancient societies.
However, modern interactions have not been without conflict. The 1985 Battle of Beanfield marked a significant clash between new age travelers and police, highlighting ongoing tensions over access and preservation. The event resulted in numerous arrests and remains a contentious chapter in Stonehenge’s modern history.
Julian Richards on Stonehenge’s Iconic Status
Julian Richards shares his thoughts on Stonehenge’s enduring recognition:
"The thing about Stonehenge, why it is iconic, why it is recognizable all around the world... it comes down to the lintels. If Stonehenge had just been a series of uprights, it wouldn’t be as recognizable." [55:04]
Richards attributes Stonehenge’s global iconography to its distinctive architectural elements—the horizontal lintels atop the vertical sarsens—which have been universally depicted in various forms of media and symbolism.
Conclusion: Stonehenge’s Legacy
Stonehenge stands as a testament to prehistoric ingenuity and the enduring human fascination with aligning human endeavors with natural celestial cycles. Whether viewed as a spiritual nexus, an astronomical tool, or a communal monument, Stonehenge continues to captivate and inspire, bridging the ancient with the modern.
Notable Quotes:
-
Julian Richards on Stonehenge’s uniqueness:
"Stonehenge is unique because no other stone circle has stones that are shaped... it's almost like failing societies in other parts of the world building grand structures as a final gesture." [08:39] -
Julian Richards on stone transport significance:
"Why bring these particular stones when similar ones were available locally? It suggests a symbolic connection or an effort to unify different communities." [20:38] -
Julian Richards on construction techniques:
"We have to make educated guesses based on what's left behind. Experiments suggest various methods, but nothing definitive." [29:39] -
Julian Richards on Stonehenge’s iconography:
"The thing about Stonehenge, why it is iconic, why it is recognizable all around the world... it comes down to the lintels." [55:04]
This episode of Short History Of… intricately weaves the timeline of Stonehenge from its Neolithic origins to its prominent place in modern culture, highlighting both the monumental efforts of its builders and the evolving interpretations of its purpose. Through engaging storytelling and expert insights from Julian Richards, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of why Stonehenge remains one of history’s most enduring mysteries.