Activists in the United Kingdom are uniting to prevent the government from constructing a two-mile road tunnel that would run close to Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They argue that the project would permanently damage the unique and globally significant landscape surrounding the ancient monument.
Stonehenge is one of the most iconic and enigmatic archaeological sites in the world. Its construction remains a mystery, as no written records exist from the ancient Britons who built it between 3000 and 1520 BCE. This period corresponds to a major transition in human civilization, marking the shift from the Neolithic era to the Bronze Age.
The site’s uniqueness lies in the arrangement of its massive Sarsen stones, which form a post-and-lintel structure. Additionally, the smaller Bluestones, located within the monument, originated 160 to 240 kilometers away in South Wales, raising questions about how they were transported to the site.
The purpose of Stonehenge remains a matter of speculation. Some believe it was a religious site, while others propose it served as a scientific observatory. Both sides point to the site’s celestial alignments, which coincide with the sun and moon, suggesting its use in rituals linked to the changing seasons and solstices. Other theories suggest it was used to track agricultural seasons, predict astronomical events, display power and wealth, or even serve as a monument to ancestors.
Stonehenge’s uncertain origins have fueled numerous conspiracy theories. Modern theories range from it being a landing site for extraterrestrial spaceships to local folklore attributing its construction to Merlin, the wizard of Arthurian legend. Legend also claims that the Danes or Romans built the monument, while others believe it represents the ruins of a Roman temple.
Despite the various theories, one thing remains clear: Stonehenge is a remarkable monument that has captivated the imagination of people for centuries. The proposed tunnel construction poses a significant threat to this irreplaceable site, and activists are taking a stand to protect it for future generations.