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Mystery of Stonehenge Almost Solved?
April 11, 2008 3:05 PM
It’s been an exciting week at Stonehenge, one of the world’s most mysterious sites. Archaeologists, who have been digging away in the hopes of unearthing its secrets, now believe they are close to solving the biggest mystery of all: why it was erected in the first place.
The researchers say they’re close to reaching sockets that once held bluestones, smaller rocks that were believed to possess healing properties. They have a hunch that Stonehenge may have been the equivalent of an ancient hospital.
As scientists work to unravel this timeless puzzle, here’s a few other places I’d like to see them take a crack at figuring out:
The Carnac stones. In France, more than 3,000 standing stones were erected during the Neolithic period. It’s not known why anyone would go through the trouble of doing this. Legend has it that the stones were an army that the wizard Merlin turned into stone.
Glastonbury Tor. The 14th century church tower located atop a hill is rich in British folklore. It is believed to be the “Avalon” of Arthurian legend, and some believe it was where the mythic "Holy Grail" was kept.
Cerne Abbas Giant. Often called the “Rude Man,” the giant depiction of a naked man carved on a hillside may offend some sensibilities, but is still a sight to see. But who is that guy? Some claim the drawing is of a god. Others say it’s a parody of Oliver Cromwell. Whoever it is, his likeness seems to be easily mistakable.
These are a few just off the top of my head. But can you think of any other enigmatic spots?
--Tuan Nguyen
April 11, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (16)
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C'mon Tuan...this isn't horseshoes or hand grenades, so 'almost' doesn't cut it. Let us know when they have it solved.
Posted by: Dave | Apr 11, 2008 3:35:21 PM
I thought it was the home of Lord Phillip Sarc.
Posted by: Radical Idea | Apr 11, 2008 4:55:24 PM
My ancestors come from the region.Ive always had a "feeling" about the place and its very simple.I suspect Stonhenge and other places like it were built to impress future invaders.If I was invading a new land and came upon this sight....surely you would believe either this is the home of the gods...or these people had secret powers.It would demoralize any invading people to the point of turning around and going back where they came from.....frightened....and telling stories of this land for generations.Thats my theory.
Posted by: Ralph Brotherton | Apr 11, 2008 8:10:34 PM
I agree with you Ralph, a nice show of strength, and such an imposing structure in its time: impressive yet. Much as the Chinese used fireworks to frighten invaders.
We modern day humans often tend to instill 'cosmic' meaning to creations from earlier humans. I fear we have a tendency to become languid rapidly with our modern conveniences, and long for a more magical time.
Posted by: Bob in Oregon | Apr 12, 2008 1:00:52 AM
I always thought it was a memorial for some great event (we all want to be remembered) or grave sight.
Posted by: 3what3 | Apr 12, 2008 6:52:01 AM
This is an archaeological excavatation - why on earth is the article about it in ODDITIES?
Posted by: cturple | Apr 12, 2008 7:27:33 AM
I always thought that it was the first McDonalds.
Posted by: johnbuzz2 | Apr 12, 2008 9:24:28 AM
I think probably the most significant place in Europe for an Archaelogist to explore/excavate would be NewGrange in Meath, Ireland. Given there is actually some known truths about it's background and stories afterwards, one being with the Irish Queen at the time (Tephi) coming from Israel originally and bringing with her Jacobs Pillow, the stone on which Jesus Christ rested his head. The stone still exists, though is back in the hands of the Scottish (they stole it back from the houses of parliament in England), to be returned one day to Ireland for the rightful King to sit upon.
The thing is, the Queen of Ireland at the time, Queen Tephi, told the story that only Jesus Christ was the rightful King of Ireland and would one day return to claim his throne.
The area of Newgrange in Meath, Ireland predate the pyramids by 400 years and Stonehenge by over 1,000 years.
It's structures, c 3,200 years BC, are still intact and the roofing systems still watertight to this day. Considering it's always raining in Ireland, that's some mean feat to achieve !
Posted by: Trev | Apr 12, 2008 9:29:42 AM
Yawn... The fascination with the stonehenge is a byproduct of the 60s social counter revolution. Stonehenge was used for astronomical purposes, to mark the change of seasons, and pagan religious festivals. That is well documented. The "healing" and mother-earth nonsense is due to all the hippies rejecting traditional religion and embracing the first cult they could find. The word "stonehenge" means stone gallows. During the Middle Ages, criminals and the like were hung and executed and buried at the pagan site as punishment. God-fearing people were buried at a proper cemetery.
Posted by: _abc123 | Apr 12, 2008 2:20:46 PM
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Posted by: mothabones | Apr 12, 2008 3:16:08 PM
Talk about click-whoring-- hey, when your headline says Stonehenge is solved you better darn well put something about Stonehenge in the "article". What pigs ABC and Tuan Nguyen are. Cheap shot to try and sell some ads with deceptive content-- way to go ABC.
Posted by: Paul | Apr 12, 2008 11:04:13 PM
I think it's ancient sculpture. With some religious relevance or commemorating an event, perhaps. But I think it's basically ancient art. Why wouldn't ancient people have the same motivation as us to create cool stuff?
Posted by: hey Scoob | Apr 12, 2008 11:20:43 PM
I agree that the headline is deceptive. And why the hell are we constantly being referred to op-ed blogs from main headline pages? This isn't a news story. It's a damn wish list.
Posted by: Fatesrider | Apr 13, 2008 12:46:39 AM
I was wondering what was "mystical" about Stonehenge? I wasn't aware of a Roget's entry "mystical" see "ignorance'. At least I received a few laughs from the posts. Thanks.
Posted by: geofbrewer | Apr 13, 2008 8:46:15 PM
Hmm I think you forgot to add one place Roanoke Island.
Posted by: james | Apr 14, 2008 11:56:18 AM
Posted by: Aylett | Apr 16, 2008 12:52:07 PM
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