How to Build Stonehenge: 'A gripping archaeological detective story' The Sunday Times

Stonehenge has long fascinated visitors with its mysterious origins and construction. In his book "Stonehenge: How It Was Built," Mike Pitts draws on a lifetime of study and recent research to answer the question of how the monument was constructed. He reveals that Stonehenge was not built in isolation but as part of a wider world, the focus of a megalithic cosmology of belief, ritual, and creativity. Pitts also discusses the precise provenance of the bluestones and how they were dragged 150 miles to the site, as well as how the stones were carved and raised into place.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Stonehenge, a magnificent monument that symbolizes the New Stone Age, stands as a sculptural and engineering marvel, captivating visitors from all corners of the globe. These awe-inspiring sarsen and bluestone slabs, meticulously arranged with simple yet graphic brilliance, have become an iconic symbol of national pride. However, the monument's enigmatic existence raises a multitude of questions: who constructed it? Why? How?

Despite the endless speculation surrounding Stonehenge's construction, there has been relatively limited investigation into its actual construction process. In the millennia since its creation, the stones have been subjected to various forces, including heavy machinery, transportation to Florida, and exposure to radioactive sodium. Yet, the seemingly insurmountable task of raising the stones with Neolithic technology has remained a mystery until now.

In the past decade, groundbreaking discoveries have been made possible by the application of cutting-edge scientific techniques. These discoveries have shed light on the precise provenance of the bluestones in Wales, providing valuable insights into their journey to the Salisbury Plain. However, the question remains: how were these massive stones transported from their original location to Stonehenge, a distance of approximately 150 miles? Did teams of laborers, lacking machinery or even pack animals, undertake this arduous task? How did they carve joints into the sarsen boulders, among the hardest stones in the world, and then raise them into place?

To answer these questions, Mike Pitts, a renowned archaeologist with a lifetime of study, has delved deep into the mysteries of Stonehenge. Drawing on his extensive knowledge and expertise, Pitts reveals how Stonehenge was not an isolated monument, but rather part of a wider world, the focus of a megalithic cosmology of belief, ritual, and creativity. Through his meticulous research and analysis, Pitts provides a comprehensive account of Stonehenge's construction, shedding light on the techniques and technologies employed by its builders.

The book is accompanied by 109 illustrations, including detailed maps, photographs, and reconstructions, that enhance the reader's understanding of the monument and its historical context. These illustrations provide a visual representation of the stone placements, the construction process, and the surrounding landscape, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Stonehenge's history.

In conclusion, "Stonehenge: How It Was Built" is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on one of the world's most enigmatic monuments. By combining a lifetime of study with a decade of new research, Mike Pitts has unraveled the secrets of Stonehenge's construction, providing a comprehensive account that sheds light on the techniques, technologies, and beliefs of its builders. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in archaeology, history, or the wonders of the natural world.

Weight: 634g
Dimension: 210 x 241 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500024195