Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. It is one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites in the world, known for its massive standing stones arranged in a circular pattern. Stonehenge has been a subject of fascination and speculation for centuries, and its exact purpose and the methods used to construct it remain the subject of ongoing research.

Key features and facts about Stonehenge:

1. Construction Period:
   • Stonehenge’s construction occurred in multiple phases over a span of centuries. The earliest phase dates back to around 3100 BCE, while the most recognizable stone circle was erected around 2500 BCE.
2. Stone Circle:
   • The monument consists of a circular arrangement of large standing stones, known as sarsens, and smaller stones, known as bluestones. The sarsens form an outer circle with lintels, and within this circle is a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of trilithons (two vertical stones supporting a horizontal lintel).
3. Avenue and Entrance:
   • Stonehenge is aligned with the movements of the sun. The Avenue, a processional path, leads from the River Avon to the monument, and the entrance aligns with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset.
4. Bluestones:
   • The smaller bluestones, transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, are a distinctive feature of Stonehenge. The exact reason for their selection and transportation is still debated.
5. Sarsen Stones:
   • The larger sarsen stones, weighing up to 50 tons, are thought to have been quarried from the Marlborough Downs, located about 20 miles north of Stonehenge.
6. Megalithic Construction:
   • The construction of Stonehenge involved the use of sophisticated megalithic techniques. The stones were shaped and transported over considerable distances using sledges, rollers, and possibly water-based transport.
7. Purpose and Function:
   • The purpose of Stonehenge is not definitively known. Various theories have been proposed, including its use as an astronomical observatory, a religious or ceremonial site, a burial ground, or a combination of these functions.
8. Ceremonial Use:
   • Stonehenge is believed to have been a place of religious or ceremonial significance. The alignment of the stones with celestial events suggests an astronomical connection, possibly related to solstices and equinoxes.
9. Burial Mounds:
   • Burial mounds known as barrows are found around Stonehenge. These mounds contain human remains and artifacts, indicating that the site may have had a funerary function.
10. Postholes and Aubrey Holes:
    • Archaeological excavations have revealed numerous postholes and pits around Stonehenge. These include the Aubrey Holes, named after John Aubrey, an antiquarian who documented them in the 17th century.
11. Ownership and Preservation:
    • Stonehenge is currently managed by English Heritage. The site attracts millions of visitors each year. Preservation efforts have included limiting access to the stones to protect the monument from erosion and potential damage.
12. World Heritage Site:
    • Stonehenge and its surrounding landscape are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their cultural and historical significance.

Stonehenge remains a symbol of ancient human ingenuity and continues to captivate the imagination of people worldwide. While many aspects of its construction and purpose remain mysterious, ongoing archaeological research contributes to a deeper understanding of this iconic monument.