New research suggested that Stonehenge began as a burial ground for elite families around 3000 BC. British scholars proposed this theory after studying cremated human remains excavated from the site. Before the iconic Stonehenge we know today was constructed, an earlier stone circle might have served as a significant cemetery.
A New Perspective on Stonehenge’s Origins
British archaeologists offered a fresh interpretation of Stonehenge’s beginnings. They believed that the site initially functioned as a large burial ground rather than solely as a ceremonial monument. Studies of cremated remains indicated that a substantial stone circle existed on the site before the current structure, serving as a cemetery for elite families.
Professor Mike Parker Pearson of University College London led the team that conducted this groundbreaking research. He stated, “The remains were of men, women, and children, so it was most likely family groups.” This finding contrasted with earlier theories that suggested Stonehenge was a burial place for a dynasty of kings. Instead, it appeared to represent a community with a different power structure.
Evidence from Cremated Remains
The archaeological team studied the cremated remains of 63 individuals. These remains pointed to burials occurring around 3000 BC. The presence of men, women, and children suggested that entire families were interred at the site. This evidence challenged previous notions of Stonehenge being exclusive to royalty or religious leaders.
Originally, the locations of many cremated bodies were marked by bluestones. This early stone circle had a diameter of about 300 feet (91 meters). Professor Parker Pearson noted that this circle could have been the burial site for up to 200 people. Such a large number implied that Stonehenge was a significant communal cemetery in its early stages.
The First Stone Circle
Before the construction of the Stonehenge we recognize today, a massive circle of bluestones stood in the same location. These stones marked the burial sites of numerous individuals. The size and scale of this initial monument suggested that it held great importance for the Neolithic people of Britain.
The bluestones, some weighing up to four tons, were transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 150 miles away. This monumental effort indicated the significance of the site. Transporting these stones required considerable organization and resources, implying that the people involved placed immense value on creating this sacred space.
The Purpose of the Second Stonehenge
Various theories existed about Stonehenge’s purpose. Some believed it was a site for Druid religious services, an astronomical observatory, or a place for spiritual healing. However, the recent study proposed that Stonehenge served as a unifying structure for people across the British Isles.
Professor Parker Pearson suggested that the monument was less a temple and more a project that brought communities together. The construction and use of Stonehenge might have fostered a sense of shared identity among disparate groups. This perspective shifted the focus from solely religious or astronomical functions to a broader social significance.
A Gathering Place for Neolithic People
Analyses of remains from a nearby Neolithic settlement indicated that thousands traveled to the site, some from as far away as Scotland. They brought livestock and families to participate in large feasts and celebrations during the winter and summer solstices. These gatherings likely played a crucial role in the construction and maintenance of Stonehenge.
The “builders’ camp” near Stonehenge showed evidence of seasonal occupation. People did not reside there year-round but assembled during specific times of the year. This pattern suggested that Stonehenge was a focal point for communal activities, including construction efforts and ceremonial events.
Feasting During the Solstices
The research team studied the teeth of pigs and cattle found at the settlement. By examining the growth patterns in the teeth, they determined that the animals were slaughtered mostly between nine and fifteen months old. This timing indicated that the livestock was consumed during feasts in the summer and winter solstices.
Professor Parker Pearson explained, “We deduced that when they slaughtered the pigs, they were there for the solstices.” These feasts were significant social events, likely involving rituals, ceremonies, and the strengthening of communal bonds. The consumption of meat during these gatherings underscored their importance in Neolithic society.
The Builders of Stonehenge
Researchers believed that the builders of Stonehenge gathered at the site during the solstices to work on the monument. They likely did not stay for extended periods but came together for specific construction phases, possibly over a decade. This intermittent building process aligned with the seasonal patterns observed in the settlement remains.
The construction of Stonehenge required coordinated efforts from various groups. The mobilization of resources and labor for such a project implied a high level of social organization. These communal building activities might have been as important culturally as the finished monument itself.
Implications for Understanding Stonehenge
These new findings reshaped our understanding of Stonehenge’s role in Neolithic Britain. Rather than viewing it solely as a religious temple or astronomical tool, we might consider it a central place for burial, community gathering, and unification. The monument and its associated activities reflected the social complexities of the time.
The idea that Stonehenge began as a cemetery for elite families added depth to its historical significance. It highlighted the importance of ancestral connections and communal identity in Neolithic societies. Additionally, the monumental construction efforts demonstrated the capability of these ancient people to organize and execute large-scale projects.
Conclusion
In summary, Stonehenge’s origins as a possible cemetery for elite families provided a new lens through which to view this enigmatic monument. The combination of burial practices, communal gatherings, and monumental construction suggested that Stonehenge played a multifaceted role in Neolithic Britain. Understanding these aspects allowed us to appreciate the complexity and sophistication of the societies that built it.
For further reading on the archaeological studies of Stonehenge, visit the English Heritage official website.
