The purpose behind the construction of Stonehenge, a monument dating back roughly 5,000 years, has long puzzled historians and archaeologists. However, a new study may have shed light on its origins, suggesting it served as a symbol of unity among the peoples of ancient Britain, according to the news outlet Daily Mail.
Researchers from University College London and Aberystwyth University claim that Stonehenge was created to represent the unification of communities from different regions of Britain. They claim that people from Scotland and Wales contributed local stones to the construction as a gesture of goodwill.
The study, published in Archaeology International, highlights Stonehenge as an early example of a political and symbolic effort to unify diverse communities. The researchers describe the monument as a “monumental expression of unity between people, land, ancestors, and the heavens.”
In the paper, the researchers argue that Stonehenge’s long-distance links support the theory that the Neolithic monument had a unifying purpose in ancient Britain, alongside its symbolic value.
“The fact that all of its stones originated from distant regions, making it unique among over 900 stone circles in Britain, suggests that the stone circle may have had a political as well as a religious purpose,” said lead author Professor Mike Parker Pearson from UCL’s Institute of Archaeology.
“[It was] a monument of unification for the peoples of Britain, celebrating their eternal links with their ancestors and the cosmos.”
The study posits that the Scottish and Welsh contributions symbolized alliances and shared efforts, embodying a sacred or political unity. Additionally, similarities in architectural styles between northern Scotland and the Stonehenge region suggest strong connections between these areas.
“[This was] perhaps to cement an alliance or to take part in the extraordinary long-distance collaboration that building Stonehenge represented and embodied,” the authors added.
Evidence shows that many of the individuals buried at Stonehenge lived outside Salisbury Plain, indicating it was a site that drew people from across Britain.
The study aligns with earlier research suggesting Stonehenge was used for rituals and ceremonies tied to the solstices. During the winter solstice, the setting sun aligns with the Altar Stone, further emphasizing its celestial significance.
Theories about Stonehenge’s purpose have ranged from its use as a solar calendar to a center for healing, ancestor worship, or burial rites. Despite ongoing debates, this new research strengthens the idea that Stonehenge was a profound symbol of unity and collaboration among ancient British communities.
