Stone circles
Introduction
Stone circles are a type of prehistoric monument characterized by a circular arrangement of standing stones. They are found across the world, with notable concentrations in the British Isles and Brittany. Stone circles have been constructed for thousands of years, with the oldest known examples dating back to the late Neolithic period.
Description
A stone circle is defined by the presence of standing stones arranged in a circular or elliptical pattern. The stones can vary greatly in size, from small stones barely above ground level to massive monoliths standing several meters tall. The number of stones in a circle can also vary, with some circles consisting of just a few stones, while others contain dozens or even hundreds.
Distribution
Stone circles are found across the globe, but they are most commonly associated with the British Isles and Brittany. In these regions, stone circles were constructed from the late Neolithic period through the Bronze Age, and they are often associated with other types of prehistoric monuments, such as burial mounds and henges.
Construction
The construction of stone circles required significant effort and organization. The stones used in these monuments were often sourced from several kilometers away, and they had to be transported to the site of the circle. This would have required a large workforce, as well as knowledge of engineering and geology.
Purpose and Use
The exact purpose of stone circles is not known, but they are believed to have been used for a variety of ceremonial and ritualistic purposes. Some circles have been found to align with celestial events, such as the solstices and equinoxes, suggesting that they may have been used as astronomical observatories. Others may have served as burial sites, or as locations for social gatherings and communal activities.
Notable Examples
Some of the most famous stone circles include Stonehenge in England, the Ring of Brodgar in Scotland, and the Carnac stones in Brittany. These sites are renowned for their size, complexity, and the mystery surrounding their construction and use.
Preservation and Study
Many stone circles have been preserved and are open to the public. They are often managed by heritage organizations, which work to maintain the sites and educate visitors about their history and significance. Archaeologists continue to study stone circles to learn more about the people who built them and the cultures they belonged to.