Description of the Monument
Stonehenge “refers to a stone monument in Salisbury, England” (Pearson, Pollard, Richards, Thomas, & Welhams, 2008, p. 154). The massive monument presents a unique site for many tourists. Archeologists and historians believe strongly that the site has been evolving within the past 100 centuries. Studies have shown that this complex structure was constructed in 3,000 BC. The biggest stones are approximately 9 meters tall.
Such “big stones are called sarsens while the small ones are bluestones” (Pearson et al., 2008, p. 159). These sarsens weigh over 22 metric tons. The “bluestones weigh between 4 and 6 tons” (Jarus, 2014, p. 1). Stonehenge is treated as a heritage site today. The mysteries surrounding the origin of this monument are still unknown. This gap explains why different researchers have been examining the facts surrounding the structure.
Comparison with Other Works
This “prehistoric stone site is unique and spectacular” (Till, 2010, p. 4). This “stone site is one of the earthworks produced by different communities during the famous Neolithic Age” (Jarus, 2014, p. 2). During the period, many people constructed different monuments across Europe.
The people also produced different burial mounds during the period. Most of these earthworks emerged from 3000 BC to 1500 BC. This artwork is one of the Neolithic Age monuments (Till, 2010). The location of Stonehenge made it easier for more people to work together. This effort led to the construction of one of the biggest structures.
Contrasting with Other Works of Art
Stonehenge revolutionized the nature of burial mounds and stone monuments in Europe. Many researchers believe that Salisbury Plain “was a favorite destination for many hunters and worshippers” (Pearson et al., 2008, p. 162). Many races visited the plain in order to undertake their religious practices.
These practices led to the construction of a huge monument. The people carried “huge stones for many miles to this site” (Pearson et al., 2008, p. 162). Although Stonehenge is similar to the structures erected during the period, it still remains the hugest and most amazing Neolithic earthwork.
Evaluation
According to Jarus (2014, p. 2), “Stonehenge is significant and unique to its age”. Several reasons explain why Stonehenge became a popular site for many people during the Neolithic period. To begin with, Salisbury Plain was a sacred place for many centuries. The erection of an enormous monument gave the site a greater religious significance. The number of “people visiting the monument continued to rise” (Jarus, 2014, p. 3).
Many historians believe strongly that more people worked together in order to construct this revolutionary structure. The Neolithic period was associated with “numerous occasions, rituals, celebrations, and events” (Till, 2010, p. 13). These celebrations and rituals brought individuals from various backgrounds together.
These occasions encouraged more people to develop a deep attachment with this sacred site. That being the case, Stonehenge remained a sacred monument to many people. This fact also explains why “Stonehenge has remained popular for very many years” (Pearson et al., 2008, p. 164).
According to many scientists, this monument has contributed a lot to the future of art. For instance, many people today look at the aspects of Stonehenge in order to produce symmetrical paintings, monuments, and sculptures (Jarus, 2014). Many artists and engineers have also borrowed numerous ideas from this monument. In conclusion, this prehistoric structure will continue to empower more artists in the future.
Reference List
Jarus, O. (2014). Stonehenge: Facts & Theories about Mysterious Monument.
Pearson, M., Pollard, J., Richards, C., Thomas, J., & Welhams, K. (2008). The Stonehenge Riverside Project: Exploring the Neolithic Landscape of Stonehenge. Prehistoric Documents, 1(1), 153-166. Web.
Till, R. (2010). Songs of the Stones: An Investigation into the Acoustic Culture of Stonehenge. Journal of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, 1(1), 1-18.