Stonehenge - History of Architecture | ARCH 3115, Assignments of History of Architecture

Download Stonehenge - History of Architecture | ARCH 3115 and more Assignments History of Architecture in PDF only on Docsity! Name: Stonehenge Meaning: Derived from the Old English words Stanhen gist meaning the 'hanging stones’ Location: The open downland of Salisbury Plain two miles (three kilometres) west of the town of Amesbury, Wiltshire, in Southern England Key Dates: Built between 3100 – 1100 BCE in several construction phases Functions: The original purpose is unclear, but there has been much speculation. A temple made for the worship of ancient earth deities, an astronomical observatory for marking significant events on the prehistoric calendar, even a sacred site for the burial of high-ranking citizens from the societies of long ago. Architects: Most scientists agree that three tribes built Stonehenge at three separate times. Neolithic agrarians at approximately 3000 BC, the Beaker People around 2000 BC, and the Wessex Peoples, around 1500 BC. Key Dimensions: 300 ft. in diameter, 22 ft. tall Materials: "Bluestone" refering to various types of mostly igneous rocks including dolerites, rhyolites, volcanic ash, and some sandstones. Important Features: Huge upright megaliths with entasis. The top, smaller stones are secured to the larger bases with interlocking grooves and notches called toggle joints. Structural System: Sucessive rings of stone, trilithons od three sides with and alter in line with one of the heel stones. Symbolism: What is certain is that the whole place is a uniquely powerful symbol of mystery, power and endurance. It stands for the importance of the solstice in ancient cultures and the influence of astrological findings on agricultural beliefs.