Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Southern England. It is a huge man-made circle of

standing stones. It was constructed in several stages between 3000 and 1500 B.C., spanning
the Neolithic Period and the Bronze Age.
It is one of Britain´s greatest national icons, symbolizing mystery, power and
endurance. Its original purpose is unclear, but some archaeologists have speculated that it
was a temple. Other scientists have held that it was a calendar linked to the study of stars.
Other theories have suggested that it could have been a place of healing where sick people
went in hope of being cured by the monument´s miraculous powers.
But one thing is for sure, that monument was used as a cemetery. Experts estimate that at
least two hundred people were buried on the grounds. They also believe that important
funeral ceremonies would have been performed at the site.
Stonehenge has been a legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument since 1882
when legislation to protect historic monuments was first successfully introduced in Britain.
Besides, in 1986 Stonehenge and its surroundings were added to UNESCO´s register of
World Heritage Sites.
According to archaeological researchers, the structure changed over time. They hold
that it was built and rebuilt by generations and generations of ancient people. Today,
Stonehenge is visited by thousands of people around the world.

Sources

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/history-and-
stories/history/significance/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/9349372/Stonehenge-a-symbol-of-
unification-at-centre-of-Ancient-Britain.html

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/12/111222-stonehenge-bluestones-wales-
match-glacier-ixer-ancient-science/

https://www.tokenrock.com/explain-stonehenge-149.html
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/12/111222-stonehenge-bluestones-wales-
match-glacier-ixer-ancient-science/
Activities for students (6th grade of Primary School)

1) I give students a short introduction, with some pictures on the board, about Neolithic
Period (how people lived, what they wore and what their jobs were).
2) I ask students what they think people ate at Stonehenge time. Then they write their
answers on the board.
3) I show them some pictures of Neolithic people´s food in order to check their answers and
write the new vocabulary.
4) Students make a table in order to compare what food Neolithic people ate and what food
we eat.
5) Students discuss in class what group of people has a healthy diet.