Profile: Moving Stonehenge


World Heritage Site: Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites

Publication Year: 2016

Publication Type: Article

Publication Identifier: WHE11A540DB0B

Summary

Stonehenge's construction has long fascinated archaeologists, and a review of 20th-century experimental studies reveals significant insights into the transportation and assembly of its megaliths. Research indicates that while the exact methods remain speculative, experiments have demonstrated feasible techniques for moving large stones using ancient tools and labor forces. These studies suggest that Neolithic communities could have transported bluestones from nearby sources like the Preseli Hills in Wales using sledges, rollers, and possibly water transport. The findings challenge assumptions about the technological limitations of prehistoric societies, highlighting their advanced engineering capabilities.

Citation

Harris, B. (2016). Profile: Moving Stonehenge. Public Archaeology, 15(2-3), 148–156. https://doi.org/10.1080/14655187.2016.1261250

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