VIDEO Ξ Laser Scan May Show Stonehenge Secrets Ξ

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Modern technology may be the key to unlock hidden secrets about an ancient monument: Stonehenge.

Researchers are using lasers to scan the nearly three dozen stones, or megaliths, that make up the famous circular complex on the Salisbury Plain of southern England.

Stonehenge in High Definition | English Heritage

The vertical stones -- over 10 feet tall and weighing many tons -- form the site that's believed to be nearly 5,000 years old. And nobody is sure why or how Stonehenge was originally built.

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"This new survey will capture a lot more information on the subtleties of the monument and its surrounding landscape," said Paul Bryan of English Heritage, an adviser to the British government on historic buildings and monuments.

English Heritage is using both 3D laser scanning and digital imaging technology to survey every inch of every stone at Stonehenge. The end result should be the most accurate digital model ever created of the famous site.

Archaeologists have suggested a variety of reasons for the origin of Stonehenge, including its possible use as a burial ground or as a sophisticated astronomical observatory. Researchers have speculated that the huge stones were placed in precise positions to observe the heavens.

Others have suggested Stonehenge may have even been an ancient tourist destination used as a center of healing.

Adding to the mystery of Stonehenge has been the question of how the original builders transported the stone slabs over 150 miles from their quarry to the Salisbury Plain.

"The surfaces of the stones of Stonehenge hold fascinating clues to the past," said Dave Batchelor, an English Heritage archaeologist. "They are like manuscripts, a whole palimpsest of the ideas, efforts and idiosyncrasies that marked the lives of people over millennia.

"I look forward very much to seeing what we are about to find."



Researchers also hope their laser scans will shed light on so-called "rock art," carved pictures and modern graffiti embedded in some of the giant stones.

The last detailed survey of Stonehenge was done in 1993 using photogrammetry. "The 2-centimeter resolution that was possible back then will be surpassed by the millimetric resolution of this new survey, which will capture a lot more information on the subtleties of the monument and its surrounding landscape," Bryan said.

The laser survey of Stonehenge is under way and is expected to conclude at the end of this month.

More Laser Scan May Show Stonehenge Secrets

 

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Ancient Mysteries: Technology Reveals Secrets of Stonehenge Modern technology may be the key to unlocking hidden secrets about the ancient monument of Stonehenge. Researchers are employing cutting-edge lasers to meticulously scan the nearly three dozen towering stones, or megaliths, that form the iconic circular structure located on the Salisbury Plain in southern England. Stonehenge, believed to be around 5,000 years old, stands as one of humanity's great enigmas. Its colossal vertical stones—some exceeding 10 feet in height and weighing several tons—prompt myriad theories regarding their origin and purpose. Despite extensive research, the reasons behind the construction of Stonehenge remain largely speculative, with hypotheses ranging from its use as a burial site to a sophisticated astronomical observatory.

The Laser Project​

Paul Bryan from English Heritage highlighted the significance of the new survey, stating, "This new survey will capture a lot more information on the subtleties of the monument and its surrounding landscape." Both 3D laser scanning and digital imaging technologies are being utilized to ensure an unprecedented level of detail in the model that will be produced, surpassing the previous survey resolution conducted in 1993. Dave Batchelor, an archaeologist with English Heritage, expressed excitement about the results from the laser scanning, emphasizing that "the surfaces of the stones hold fascinating clues to the past." His description of the stones as "manuscripts" forms a compelling narrative, suggesting that they contain a rich history of human activity and artistic expression over millennia.

Uncovering Rock Art​

In addition to modeling the monument itself, researchers hope to uncover insights into the stone surfaces, including "rock art"—carvings and inscriptions that may shed light on both ancient and modern interactions with the site. There is a particular interest in identifying how these artifacts relate to the broader cultural and historical narratives of the times. According to English Heritage, this extensive survey is anticipated to conclude soon, providing fresh perspectives on an age-old mystery. With improved resolution expected in the data, archaeologists are poised to gain a deeper understanding of how Stonehenge fits into our historical timeline and possibly why it was built.

Join the Discussion​

What are your thoughts on the use of modern technology to explore ancient sites like Stonehenge? Have you ever visited or researched similar historical monuments? Share your insights and experiences!