Bluehenge facts for kids
Bluehenge, also called Bluestonehenge or West Amesbury Henge, is an ancient monument from the prehistoric era. It includes a henge (a circular earthwork) and a stone circle.
This important site was found by the Stonehenge Riverside Project. It is located about 1 mile (1.6 km) south-east of the famous Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. Today, you can only see the ditch of the henge and the places where stones once stood. The stones themselves are no longer visible above the ground.
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What is Bluehenge?
Bluehenge was built a very long time ago. Archaeologists found two flint arrowheads there. These arrowheads were used between 3400 and 2500 BC. This tells us that the stones were likely put up during that time.
Experts believe there might have been up to 27 stones in a circle. This stone circle was about 33 feet (10 meters) wide.
How it was Discovered
Archaeologists dug at the site in August 2008 and again in August 2009. These digs helped them learn a lot about Bluehenge. Archaeologists consider it a very important discovery. It helps us understand more about the people who lived in Britain thousands of years ago.
Why is it Called Bluestonehenge?
The name "Bluestonehenge" comes from tiny pieces of stone found at the site. These small stone chips are called "bluestones." The same type of bluestones are also found at Stonehenge.
These bluestones are special because they came from Pembrokeshire in West Wales. That's about 150 miles (240 km) away! This shows that ancient people moved these stones over very long distances.
Bluestones Moved to Stonehenge?
Archaeologists think that the bluestones from Bluehenge might have been moved. Around 2500 BC, Stonehenge had a major rebuilding project. It is possible that the bluestones from Bluehenge were taken and reused at Stonehenge during that time.
The Henge Earthwork
The stone circle at Bluehenge was surrounded by a henge. This henge was made up of a wide ditch and an outer bank. The ditch was about 82 feet (25 meters) wide. This earthwork seems to have been built around 2400 BC.
Images for kids
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The River Avon near the site of Bluestonehenge
See also
In Spanish: Bluestonehenge para niños
