Introduction
An archaeological site is a remnant, object, or trace of human existence in the spectrum of evidence of epochs and civilizations. By its essence and nature, it is a limited and irreplaceable cultural resource that cannot be restored; it is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the people of a particular region. As practice shows, excavations and discoveries are the most reliable and objective sources of information about such objects. Thus, for instance, Stonehenge and the Great Wall are the most recognizable and world-famous monuments, once built by people in stages using simple tools and limited technologies. The study of Stonehenge and the Great Wall as two of the most important archaeological sites is a crucial aspect to which this paper is devoted.
Stonehenge, United Kingdom
Stonehenge is one of the most mysterious places on Earth — a cluster of giant boulders in a circle in the middle of the Salisbury Plain, England. It is known that it was built in the III millennium BC (MacKie 140). Hence, according to generally accepted dating methods, is considered “the same age” as the Egyptian pyramids of Giza. The megalithic complex was built in three stages and was a ring-shaped shaft surrounded by a moat. According to legend, the stones were erected here by the almighty Merlin, the court magician of King Arthur. Popular rumor attributes the authorship of Stonehenge to the inhabitants of Atlantis, aliens, as well as giants. Today, many hypotheses have been accumulated about the purpose of Stonehenge. For a long time, it was believed that the stone ring belonged to the druids — Celtic priests who performed religious rites here. According to another version, Stonehenge was the burial place of Boadicea, a pagan queen who fought the Romans. It is also claimed that the structure served as a cemetery for the leaders.
The Great Wall, China
The Chinese Wall is the pride of ancient China, and it is not easy to find a larger-scale creation of human hands than this archaeological site. The Great Wall of China is recognized as one of the unique wonders of the world; the Great Wall of China was built as a military-defensive object and was erected in the 3rd century BC; its history dates back more than 2000 years (Ewertowski 177). Emperor Qin Shi Huang formed a single fortification of disparate fortresses. The size of the building at all times caused a lot of controversy and discussion; even myths and legends were created. One of them is the myth that the Wall is visible from the moon. But the ancestors could believe in this, and this myth has quickly been dispelled in the modern world in the age of technological progress. However, it should be noted that the Great Wall is visible from space orbit on satellite images.
What We Learn from Each Site
Based on the information indicated earlier, we learned from each archaeological monument about their significance for the world and all humankind and how important it is to protect and preserve them in their proper form. They carry a specific message, code, or symbol for future generations based on bygone eras. However, one should recognize that archaeological sites are diverse and numerous; they, to one degree or another, preserve the historical “memory” of the past in the form of remnants of structures or burials. Being organically connected with the terrain and landscape, archaeological monuments are immovable, and they all reflect, to one degree or another, the activities of people from the past.
Conclusion
Summarizing the above, it is necessary to state that an archaeological site is one of the most significant objects for humanity that requires special attention and a respectful attitude. Stonehenge and the Great Wall are the most striking examples of such ancient monuments and are, in a sense, the “calling card” of the countries in which they are located. These are the most significant structures ever touched by a hand; their history goes back several thousand years.
Works Cited
Ewertowski, Tomasz. Images of China in Polish and Serbian Travel Writings (1720-1949). BRILL, 2020.
MacKie, Euan W. Professor Challenger and his Lost Neolithic World: The Compelling Story of Alexander Thom and British Archaeoastronomy. Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, 2021.