Megalithic cement monument

2001/01/15 Elhuyar Zientzia

• Historia
• Giza zientziak

The best-known archaeological site in Britain receives more than a million visitors each year and all consider that the monument built 4,000 years ago remains. But between 1901 and 1964 a student of archaeology has declared in his doctoral thesis that almost all stones were "repaired". He says that Stonehenge, now visible, is a reconstruction based on the apparent appearance of 4,000 years ago. In addition, he believes that it has not been the only one restored with this methodology.

The restoration began in 1901. A twisted stone was tensioned and supported with cement to prevent its fall. However, the toughest reforms were carried out in 1920. Then 6 stones were laid back on their feet. In 1958 they used cranes to tighten three other stones and the giant "lintel" that had fallen on the ground was relocated. Finally, in 1964, four stones were placed correctly so that they would not notice.

Stonehengen XX. The association that is in charge of the heritage of England is about to accept that the restorations made in the twentieth century appear in the guides of the monument so that the public knows all the truth of the ancient monuments. However, the thesis has sparked another debate. Where is the limit between restoration and reconstruction?