JAKARTA - Stonehenge, the massive stone monument located on Salisbury Plain, England, has captivated the world's attention for over 5,000 years. For centuries, the original purpose of Stonehenge has been a major mystery, with various theories emerging.
Recent research has finally revealed the true purpose of this majestic monument. According to a study conducted by scientists from University College London (UCL) and Aberystwyth University, Stonehenge was built as a symbol of unity among three distinct regions in England.
This research states that the monument was an effort to unite various tribes in the areas now known as England, Scotland, and Wales. The large stones that form Stonehenge did not only come from Wiltshire, where the monument stands, but were also transported from distant regions, including southwest Wales and northeast Scotland. These stones, known as 'bluestones' and 'sarsens', were carefully selected to represent contributions from different communities.
Researchers revealed that people from Scotland and Wales brought their local stones to Wiltshire as a form of contribution to the construction of Stonehenge. These stones were then arranged to create a strong symbol of unity among the tribes at that time.
Although there was no concept of nations like England, Scotland, or Wales during that period, Stonehenge became a representation of these three regions, thereby uniting them under a larger identity.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Stonehenge is the origin of its stones. The large sarsen stones, which give Stonehenge its distinctive appearance, come from West Woods in Wiltshire, approximately 24 kilometers from the monument's location. However, even more surprising is the existence of the smaller bluestones, which originate from Craig Rhos-y-Felin in the Preseli Hills of southwest Wales. In fact, the largest stone at Stonehenge, the Altar Stone, located at the center of the monument, comes from northern Scotland, up to 1,000 kilometers away.
This discovery reinforces the theory that Stonehenge was not merely a place of worship or an astronomical observatory, but also a monument that combined political and social elements. By bringing stones from such distant regions, Stonehenge became a symbol of remarkable long-distance collaboration among various tribes in Britain at the time.
Researchers also argue that Stonehenge served a dual purpose, functioning as a site of both political and religious significance. Although there is no definitive evidence regarding the rituals performed at Stonehenge, the monument is believed to connect people with their ancestors and the universe.
By transporting stones from various regions, the builders of Stonehenge symbolically linked separated communities, creating stronger bonds among them.
“Stonehenge is a monument of unity for the people of England, celebrating their eternal connection with ancestors and the cosmos,” said Professor Mike Parker Pearson, the lead author of the study.
This indicates that Stonehenge is more than just a physical monument; it symbolizes a collective identity encompassing various aspects of life, including political, social, and spiritual dimensions.
The latest research also provides new insights into the relationship between Stonehenge and other regions in Britain. Archaeological findings showing similarities between Neolithic house designs in Orkney, Scotland, and the Durrington Walls settlement near Stonehenge strengthen the theory that there was a close relationship between Salisbury Plain and northern Scotland.
This suggests that Stonehenge may also have served as a gathering place for people from different regions to celebrate seasons and celestial changes, as practiced during the winter and summer solstices.
The study also revealed that Stonehenge was used as a cremation burial site for adults during the first five centuries after its construction. Many of those buried at Stonehenge came from outside Salisbury Plain, indicating that people traveled from afar to pilgrimage there, further supporting the notion that Stonehenge held symbolic significance that transcended geographical boundaries.