Stonehenge Deciphered and We're Sure about That!

Photo: "David Ball - www.davidball.net" Image via Wikipedia

Every few years a piece comes out that reveals what the latest definitive is on Stonehenge: Cemetery, Observatory, Temple, Healing location, Place of Sacrifice.   Well, exhausted enough that even reading was too hard I succumbed to Smithsonian's VOD channel and chose Stonehenge Deciphered narrated by Carrie Fisher.  She did an excellent job narrating—just enough inflection and a clear voice.  The video was well produced. They did not, as I often find,tell me the same information over and over again for an hour. 


I do believe they got a sound bite from every expert on the subject in the United Kingdom.  And, there was startling information revealed about the "Blue Stones" in the central circle being from Wales and transported by raft from Wales around to the mouth of the Thames. Those stones were believed to have magical powers of healing possibly imbued by springs near their quarrying locale. Apparently people traveled from as far as the alps for their powers.


I underlined definitive above. I love it when we try to figure out what people were doing and believed centuries ago. Things I learned in school have been debunked so it seems we never really know the definitive truth. I also think about how our beliefs change over time, not just beliefs as in religion but also our understanding of facts, is fascinating.


Eventually Stonehenge fell out of its traditional use(s) (possibly due to a change in religious climate?). But the bluestone from Wales is still there in the circle. Healers, so designated by peculiar birth defects may also have been present in the times when it was known as a place of healing. Whether it was the rock, the location or healers it was a popular location and has drawn visitors for over 4,000 years now and apparently was attracting people before it the iconic circle of stones was constructed. There must be something there that pulled people to the location. 

Any thoughts?


It was a good piece of television that I can recommend.
I don't know that it is online as well as on the Smithsonian Channel Video on demand, but there are two links I can offer you:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/light-on-stonehenge.html

AND

http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/sn/show.do?show=133692.

AND, Speaking of definitive new information on Stonehenge: apparently there is a new definitive set of facts.

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