Blog 16: Stonehenge and Jōmon Stone circles

Stonehenge and the Jōmon stone circles are fascinating archaeological sites with circular stone structures. While they share some similarities, such as their circular designs and use of stones, they have distinct differences in terms of their geographical locations, historical contexts, and cultural significance.

Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, England, while the Jōmon stone circles are found in Japan. Stonehenge dates back to around 3000 to 2000 BCE, while the Jōmon stone circles are much older, dating back to the Jōmon period, which spanned from around 14,000 to 300 BCE. This makes the Jōmon stone circles the oldest known monument in the world.

In terms of design and construction, Stonehenge consists of large standing stones arranged in a circular layout. Some of the stones weighed several tons and were transported from quarries over long distances. Stonehenge has a clear astronomical alignment, with its axis aligned to the summer solstice sunrise and the winter solstice sunset. This suggests that it may have served as a ceremonial or astronomical observatory.

The Jōmon stone circles, on the other hand, are characterized by clusters of standing stones arranged in circular or elliptical patterns. These stone circles were likely constructed for religious or ritual purposes, and archaeologists still debate their exact function. Some theories suggest they may have been used for ancestor worship or communal gatherings.

While Stonehenge has received significant attention and study over the years, the Jōmon stone circles have gained recognition more recently. The Jōmon period itself is significant in Japanese history, characterized by early pottery production, hunter-gatherer societies, and unique cultural practices. The discovery of the Jōmon stone circles sheds light on this period's ancient traditions and beliefs and adds to our understanding of prehistoric Japan.

Although Stonehenge and the Jōmon stone circles are geographically distant and have different historical contexts, they both represent remarkable achievements in ancient engineering and demonstrate the ingenuity of early human civilizations. Exploring these archaeological sites provides insights into our ancestors' diverse cultures and practices and allows us to appreciate the mysteries and wonders of our shared human history.

It is truly remarkable to ponder how people from 15,000 years ago could calculate the sun's movement and construct such grand monuments without the aid of advanced technology. The mysteries surrounding these achievements form archaeological research's captivating and enigmatic aspects.