Is Stonehenge More Than Just Some Big Stones?

Is Stonehenge more than just some big stones? Whatever it is, Stonehenge presents a complicated mystery to archaeologists.

Last week we told you all about the Hall of Records, and this week we continue our ongoing look at conspiracy theories, legends, and urban myths, by turning our gaze to one of the world’s most famous surviving prehistoric monuments.

Stonehenge

Located in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge’s most notable feature is, of course, its standing stones. While ancient standing stones aren’t unique to England or even just Europe, Stonehenge remains the most famous and iconic example of the megalithic structures due to its size, layout, abundance of stones, and the mysteries surrounding its purpose, creation, and history. Read more

Did Otherworldly Music Inspire Stonehenge?

Did otherworldly music inspire Stonehenge? Researcher Steven Waller proposes another theory about the stone circle's purpose.

Five thousand years ago, so the legend goes, two pipers played in a field while a circle of merry maidens danced around them. Then they all turned to stone, leaving Stonehenge to mystify us for millennia. Other theories about the stone circle's purpose include an alien observatory, a burial site and an acoustic stadium.

Here at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Vancouver, Canada, archaeoacoustician Steven Waller - an independent researcher based in La Mesa, California - threw yet another idea into the mix. The stone circle, he says, may have been inspired by an auditory illusion that occurs when two identical instruments, such as pipes, play the same note at the same time. A person walking in a circle around the pipers hears the note's volume decrease at certain points where the two sound waves collide and cancel one another out. At these spots, it sounds as though a giant pillar is blocking the sound. Read more

Huge Crop Circle Discovered within Yards of Stonehenge

A huge crop circle appeared in a field of wheat alongside Stonehenge on July 14, 2011.

Who built Stonehenge has long been the subject of debate among scholars.

But now the ancient site has offered up another conundrum - in the form of a giant crop circle.

This impressive 200ft design appeared within sight of the ancient monument yesterday.

And as ever the debate will rise as to who is responsible.

Some believe they are manmade, others that they are caused by earth's magnetic field. And there are a number who are convinced they are the work of extra-terrestrials

The ancient site is widely considered the most important prehistoric monument in Britain and is proving to be a hot spot for the phenomena this season. Read more