A place of healing, burial, or ritual?
So what was Stonehenge actually for? That’s the million-pound question. Theories range from the practical to the spiritual. Some researchers believe it was an ancient solar calendar, especially because of how the stones align with the summer and winter solstices. Others think it served as a ceremonial or burial site, supported by the discovery of cremated human remains and evidence of ancient processions. There’s also the theory that it was a place of healing—an ancient pilgrimage site for the sick.
Then there are the more speculative ideas—aliens, Atlanteans, Druids. To be fair, the Druids often get mentioned, but that’s mostly a misunderstanding. Stonehenge was already thousands of years old by the time Druidic culture emerged in the Iron Age. As for aliens… it’s probably safe to say that was never on the architect’s blueprint.
The truth is, we still don’t know exactly why it was built. But modern technology has helped us get a little closer. Ground-penetrating radar, 3D laser scanning, and isotope analysis of ancient human remains have added real scientific weight to the discussion. These tools suggest Stonehenge was part of a much larger ceremonial landscape—a kind of sacred zone stretching for miles, not just an isolated monument.
One of the most popular theories about Stonehenge’s purpose is that it acted as a giant calendar, used to mark important dates in the agricultural year. The alignment of the stones with the solstices supports this theory. During the summer solstice, the sun rises directly over the Heel Stone, creating a spectacular sight for visitors each year. The winter solstice, too, aligns with specific stones, providing a clue to its seasonal significance.
