Stonehenge

Sitting on a hill in England, Stonehenge holds many mysteries. How was Stonehenge built? Did people use it as a religious temple? Or was it used as an ancient calendar? Read all about this mysterious stone monument and decide for yourself.

Children's Literature

Stonehenge, the giant circle of stones located in southern England, may have been constructed 4,000 or more years ago. Since medieval times, people have been trying to understand and explain it. Many historians once believed the Druids built Stonehenge; some credited the wizard Merlin. Modern archaeologists speculate that ancient people in Britain began the circle around 2500 BCE using the most primitive tools and, over time, thousands of workers. In any case, it was a monumental task to move the huge sandstone blocks and lintels, as well as the smaller bluestones from Wales. What was its purpose? Author Doeden points out that no evidence has been found for magical activities. Rather, research suggests the circle was used as a solar calendar and as a tool for predicting eclipses, although it may have had ceremonial uses as well. Today, preservation of the ancient circle is a concern: Tourists have been limited, and a tunnel is planned to minimize the effects of nearby traffic. Illustrations are color photos with the edges brushed out to make the circle look more isolated and mysterious and explanatory drawings. The book also includes a glossary and a short bibliography. Readers should be forewarned that, although of the books in the "Unexplained" series target below-level readers, the websites suggested by FactHound would be difficult for them.