Stone Circles Around the World
Enigmatic stone circles are found around the world and are always shrouded in mystery. Scholars and archaeologists have theories and debates in their efforts to understand what the intent of the ancients might have been. Stone circles capture our imaginations and excite our sense of wonder and curiosity. Let’s explore some of the most famous and fascinating stone circles from different cultures and time periods.
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Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge, England
Probably the most famous stone circle in the world, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. Composed of large standing stones, it dates back to 3000-2000 BC and is believed to have been constructed by involving hundreds of people over a period of years. Its purpose is still a mystery, but many believe it had religious, cultural or astronomical uses.
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Callanish Stones, Scotland
Callanish Stones, Scotland
The Callanish Stones are located on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. It is formed of a cruciform design of standing stones, surrounded by a circular ditch. It is believed to have been built between 2900 and 2600 BCE for ritual purposes.
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Stone Circles of Senegambia, Africa
Stone Circles of Senegambia, Africa
Located in the Gambia and Senegal areas of Africa, this group of stone circles is very prominent. Made of laterite stones, which were quarried and then transported to their location, these structures date back to the third century BCE.
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Mnajdra, Malta
Mnajdra, Malta
Located near the Mediterranean Sea, the Mnajdra Temple Complex dates back to 3600-2500 BC, was constructed in the form of a multi-tiered building with a layout of interconnected courts and chambers used for religious ceremonies.
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The Ring of Brodgar, Scotland
The Ring of Brodgar, Scotland
Located in Orkney, Scotland, it is a large henge and stone circle monument believed to have been constructed in the Neolithic period. Dating back to 2500 BC, archaeologists believe that this stone circle was created as a place of ritual.
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Castlerigg Stone Circle, England
Castlerigg Stone Circle, England
Situated in Cumbria, England, Castlerigg is one of the oldest surviving British stone circles, dating back to the Neolithic period. It is composed of 38 stones and has been utilized by pagans, Christians, and modern-day travelers for various purposes.
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Gobekli Tepe, Turkey
Gobekli Tepe, Turkey
This is the world’s oldest known temple — a Neolithic site located about 15 kilometers in the Turkish hills from Urfa. It is a complex of around 200 massive stone pillars and layered hill layers, with the structure being 11,000 years old.
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Avebury Standing Stones, England
Avebury Standing Stones, England
Avebury is a cult center from the British Neolithic era of Wiltshire. It consists of a large henge monument containing the world’s largest stone circle, each weighing up to 40 tons.
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The Carnac Stones, France
The Carnac Stones, France
Located in Brittany, France, this collection of stones consists of around 3.000 pre-Celtic standing stones arranged over an area of more than one kilometer. These stones also have astrological meaning and were believed to be a significant pilgrimage site.
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