Question
Here is the question : WHAT ARE THE LARGER OF THE TWO TYPES OF STONES OF STONEHENGE CALLED?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Stiff stones
- Ancient arches
- Blue stones
- Sarsen stones
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
There are two primary stone types at Stonehenge. Archaeologists refer to the bigger, stacked stones at the monument’s center as sarsen stones, while the smaller stones are known as bluestones. Their name derives from how the word “saracen” is pronounced in Wiltshire, where the word was used to describe anything strange to the inhabitants.
Stonehenge, the ancient and iconic monument located in Wiltshire, England, is composed of various types of stones that have stood the test of time. Among these stones, the larger and more imposing ones are known as Sarsen stones. These massive megaliths play a significant role in the structure and visual impact of Stonehenge, contributing to its enduring mystique and historical importance.
Sarsen stones are a type of sandstone characterized by their hardness, durability, and distinctive grainy texture. They are believed to have originated from the Marlborough Downs, located approximately 20 miles north of Stonehenge. The Sarsen stones are composed primarily of silica cemented together with sand grains, giving them their unique composition and strength.
The Sarsen stones at Stonehenge are massive in size, standing upright and forming the outer circle of the monument. Each stone can weigh up to 25 tons and reach heights of around 20 feet. These imposing stones create a visually striking and awe-inspiring sight, conveying a sense of grandeur and monumentality.
The transportation and positioning of the Sarsen stones at Stonehenge are remarkable feats of ancient engineering and craftsmanship. It is estimated that the stones were transported over a distance of approximately 20 miles, likely using a combination of sledges, rollers, and possibly even rafts along rivers. The precise methods employed by the Neolithic builders remain a subject of ongoing study and speculation.
Once at the Stonehenge site, the Sarsen stones were meticulously arranged to create the outer circle and the iconic trilithons, which consist of two upright stones supporting a horizontal lintel stone. The precision and stability of these stone arrangements are a testament to the skill and knowledge possessed by the ancient builders.
The purpose and significance of the Sarsen stones within the context of Stonehenge’s design and function have long intrigued researchers and historians. While the exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a subject of debate, various theories suggest that it served as a ceremonial or ritual site, an astronomical observatory, or a place of healing and spiritual significance.
The sheer size and presence of the Sarsen stones are thought to have symbolized strength, stability, and permanence, reflecting the Neolithic people’s connection to the natural world and their beliefs about the divine. Their alignment with celestial events, such as the summer solstice, further suggests an astronomical connection and an emphasis on the cyclic nature of time and the seasons.
The Sarsen stones at Stonehenge have endured for thousands of years, surviving the passage of time and the elements. Their presence continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world, who come to witness the ancient marvel and ponder the mysteries of its construction and purpose.
In recent years, efforts to preserve and protect the Sarsen stones have been u