Stonehenge May Have Been Rebuilt to Unite Ancient Britons

New research suggests the iconic monument served as a political and cultural symbol during a period of societal transformation in prehistoric Britain.

The Altar Stone at Stonehenge, weighing 6 metric tons, was likely transported over 400 miles from northeast Scotland to Wiltshire, England, around 2620-2480 BC.
The study proposes Stonehenge was reconstructed to unify Britain's Neolithic population during a time of cultural shifts and the arrival of new groups from continental Europe.
Stonehenge's stones, sourced from distant regions, make it unique among the 900 stone circles in Britain, hinting at its significance as a political and religious monument.
Researchers suggest the Altar Stone may have symbolized an alliance between communities in Scotland and southern England, highlighting long-distance connectivity in prehistoric Britain.
Despite its unifying intent, Stonehenge's construction coincided with the eventual replacement of Britain's Neolithic population by newcomers from Europe.

Popular Science

ARTnews

Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung