Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in England that continues to mystify archeologists and historians. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /stoʊn-hɛndʒ/. The first syllable ‘stoʊn’ is spelled phonetically as it sounds whereas the second part ‘hɛndʒ’ is spelled with a silent ‘e’. This is because the ‘e’ at the end of ‘henge’ is not pronounced and only serves to indicate that the ‘g’ should be pronounced as a ‘j’. Despite its perplexing spelling, Stonehenge remains a popular tourist destination and a source of intrigue for millions worldwide.
Stonehenge is an ancient and iconic prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England, renowned for its monumental and mysterious stone circle. The definition of Stonehenge encompasses its physical and cultural significance as a key archaeological site. It consists of a circular arrangement of large standing stones, known as megaliths, set within earthworks. These towering stones vary in size from the smaller bluestones to the larger sarsen stones, some of which weigh up to 30 tons. The monument is believed to have been constructed in several phases between 3000 and 2000 BCE.
Stonehenge holds great historical and cultural importance, serving as a testament to the architectural prowess of early civilizations and their understanding of celestial alignments. Its original purpose remains the subject of debate among scholars and researchers. Some theories propose that it was a burial ground, a religious or mystical site, an astronomical observatory, or even a ceremonial gathering place. The site's alignment with the solstices and equinoxes suggests an astronomical connection, while the presence of human remains and burial mounds implies a funerary function.
Due to its enigmatic nature and age, Stonehenge evokes a sense of wonder and fascination, attracting tourists from around the world. Over the centuries, countless theories, legends, and speculations have emerged, adding to the allure of this ancient wonder. Stonehenge has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986, ensuring its preservation and continued exploration by archaeologists and historians.
A remarkable assemblage of upright and horizontal stone's on Salisbury Plain, in England, of unknown origin.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word Stonehenge is derived from Old English and Middle English origins. It combines the word stan (meaning stone) with henge (meaning hinge or hanging). Therefore, the term Stonehenge roughly translates to hanging stones or stone hinges.