The Mystery of Stonehenge
Julia Zgurzynski
Earlier in the semester, my family sent me a package. Among the gifts, was a note from my dad. It said, “Enjoy England, study hard, see Greece, know you are loved. If you can, see Stonehenge for me.” I love my dad so much, and I am so grateful to him for sending me abroad, before he has ever had the chance to travel outside America himself. Therefore, I knew I wanted to see Stonehenge, and experience it on his behalf. Also, I was interested in the prehistoric wonder myself. I did not know much about Stonehenge before I visited, but I have always been impressed by the way that they have stayed balanced for so many thousands of years. So, one Saturday, I researched how to get to Stonehenge, and made the journey.
One of my favorite parts of Stonehenge was the museum, which I visited before the stones. It brought me up to speed on some basic Stonehenge history, as well taught me some interesting archaeological facts, and exposed me to different ideas about Stonehenge. One of the displays was a set of three models, depicting Stonehenge at different points in time. I was familiar with the current layout of the stones, with the partial arc of balancing stones, and other irregularly placed vertical stones, but I did not know that the arc was once a full circle. I also did not know that even earlier, the stones had once been in a much larger circle, further apart from each other. In the museum, there were cases full of artifacts, including bones, rocks, and pottery. The audio guide shared an interesting fact about the artifacts and archaeological process. “The pig bones found were mostly from nine month old animals, suggesting that if they were born in the spring, they were being killed at midwinter.” It is interesting to see how a little science, and some common sense can bring forth such specific information about prehistory. Also, the audio guide explained that the stones are placed in holes at forty five degree angles, “so the stone could be carefully tilted into the hole”. Additionally, they have found that the stones are not geologically native to the area, and were transported from Wales, by boat! Overall, the archaeological knowledge proved just how intelligent, and intentional the creators of Stonehenge were, when we are wont to imagine ancient people with extremely primitive, survival based mindsets.
The moment I first saw the stones was similar to the moment I first saw the Acropolis in Athens. I could hardly believe that something so grand, something I had known about for so long was actually in front of me. It felt strange that the entirety of something so big and so important could fit in my field of vision. As I got closer, I saw the stones, they were huge, and yet perfectly balanced. I gazed at them, amazed to see something that has existed for so long. I am so happy I got the chance to experience Stonehenge, and most of all, I can’t wait to tell my dad all about it.
