While I was exploring England and Wales during the lead-up to the U.S. elections, I anticipated engaging in some heated debates.

What I encountered, however, was a recurring discussion about Stonehenge.

My wife, Amanda, and I approached our visit to Stonehenge with modest expectations. Thankfully, we decided to go. It’s likely the topic we’ve revisited the most during our two-week journey. Interestingly, many other travelers have expressed a strong dislike for Stonehenge—some even going so far as to give it one-star reviews and lamenting how they wasted time on this unremarkable set of rocks.

I understand the disdain for crowded tourist attractions. It reminds me of our trip to Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, where I learned that its historical significance is largely a fabrication—plus, the rock itself wasn’t particularly impressive. If you take one thing from this article, let it be this: Plymouth Rock is disappointing. Don’t bother visiting.

In contrast to Plymouth Rock, however, Stonehenge is genuinely fascinating. As is often the case, your experience may differ.

If you arrive expecting to just glance at some stones and leave, then that’s probably what you’ll get. However, if you’re open to connecting with the spirits of our ancient ancestors, Stonehenge provides a remarkable perspective on history.

The Age of Stonehenge

The main stone circle has stood in southern England for approximately 4,000 to 5,000 years. The reasons behind its construction remain a mystery.

According to English Heritage, which manages Stonehenge and other significant historical sites, “The most widely accepted interpretation is that it served as a prehistoric temple aligned with solar movements. These sites were places to honor ancestors and celebrate key moments in the yearly cycle.”

“Central to this belief was the sun, with solstices woven into the very fabric of this monument. Stonehenge was not a single entity; it was constructed, modified, and revered over a period of 1,500 years, spanning about 100 generations.”

Stonehenge does not stand alone. Its vicinity includes various stone artifacts and around 350 burial mounds that are significantly older than the main circle itself. Humans have been gathered at Stonehenge for an incomprehensibly long time.

I understand that these stones may not strike modern observers as overwhelmingly impressive. True appreciation requires a bit of imagination. However, you’re not just there to admire the rocks; you’re witnessing a testament to humanity’s unending quest for understanding, a pursuit that stretches back to the dawn of time.

From the Construction of Stonehenge to the Academia of Oxford: Our Ongoing Search for Answers

From the prehistoric people who erected Stonehenge to the brilliant modern minds who have gifted us their literature, art, and architecture at Oxford, the collective achievements of humanity can be seen as a search for comprehension of our existence.

My personal quest for answers has led me to find faith in God as revealed through Jesus. Yet, even as I claim to have confidence in my purpose, I still grapple with anxiety, stress, and uncertainty, losing sight of what truly matters amidst the chaos of everyday life. Some days, I feel lost.

In those challenging moments, it’s not certainty that carries me forward; rather, it’s the connection I feel with fellow seekers—those from the past and present—each of us piecing together the puzzle of humanity with our limited insights. We’re not alone in this journey; we’ve never been isolated.

While modern advancements in science and technology may give us a sense of control today, future generations might reflect upon our Teslas, smartphones, and social media as mere evidence of a simpler existence—much like a group of people moving stones in circles. Why did they make so many memes? What significance did the Cybertruck hold? Who knows?

You may either believe that humanity is the result of a deliberate design or consider our existence a random occurrence. Regardless of your viewpoint, this fundamental question has been a driving force behind human endeavors for millennia, and it will continue to motivate our greatest efforts for as long as we exist in this form.

When I contemplate Stonehenge, I see a reflection of my own existence and struggles. I think about the vision and purpose of its creators, and I stand in solidarity with them.

I rate Stonehenge as a perfect five out of five stars.