We’ve been debating if there could be any immediate gain to today’s society in knowing what drew people to construct monuments of the past such as Stonehenge. Not so much about what it was used for after its construction but instead what initial concern could be so great that it could drive the eventual construction.
For example, there is a possibility that a monument could have been unifying in an abstract sense: Monuments can unify, particularly where their primary purpose is seen as being essential to the continuance of a society (for example Parliament).
If monuments were constructed voluntarily for the benefit of all, the reason for construction could be related to the continuance of society. Though done in a very different fashion, an expression of such a logical concern for society appears to exist elsewhere as a whole series of linked monuments. The same concern also appears to be described in the carvings related to those monuments:
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| Newgrange, one of a series of monuments in Ireland. |
Perhaps this is just one big coincidence, but the benefits of such places would be expressed by a construction such as Stonehenge if it was used as described in ‘Stonehenge: Solving the Neolithic’. This makes for a very plausible and interesting background to the novels but, as far as I can tell, there would be no immediate benefit to society (via archaeology) in understanding the detail of these coincidences.
I've been trying to set a personal deadline, perhaps 3-10 years, to get the novels written. There is a temptation to instead do the next book in the series of ‘Solving the Neolithic’ but it would be a significant spoiler for the novels’ storyline.
1. Unification is no doubt a valid corollary of intent, though surely not the primary rationale.
ReplyDelete2. At this stage it's pretty obvious that Stonehenge was a large part of the network of regional structures, each having a distinct purpose while still part of the whole.
3. The benefit of a contextual Stonehenge are multi-layered - social value being a big slice of the pie. If it were a School then it transmits purpose through the generations. If it's a Religious Retreat, the priesthood maintains its spirituality. If it were an 'illustration' of the Cosmos, then it gave people far and wide a comprehensive editorial about the depth of their knowledge.
I feel that it was all of these things and more - including the distinct possibility of a Disco Ball.
If the other Monuments in the regional landscape provided only one or two components specific to an idea, then Stonehenge incorporated a number of more-refined concepts into one location. Like a University, it had several schools associated with it.
This alone would bring people from far and wide to obtain 'value' from it, with Unification being a by-product.
"Yup," says Ugge with the suggestion of pride. "I did my time at the Citadel back in '47."
"No kidding," says Mayugge with friendly surprise. "I was there in '49. I have my sheepskin right here." He flips his chin to the nearby weather-beaten rucksack.
They laugh conspiratorially, clasping each others palms with the exclusive Secret Handshake before ordering another ramshorn of good cheer.
Don't wait 'years' to write the Novel, Mr Morris. Do it now.
Neil
1: Agreed
Delete2: Agreed
3: Agreed
It's not so much waiting years as the time that it takes to construct a storyline based on a reasonable interpretation of all these coincidences: I don't think the technical side is necessary for the next ones if each is followed with a 'Solving the Neolithic' to explain the detail; so that should shorten the time-scale. I reckon 3 years is about the minimum based on what I've done so far and 10 years is the same thing but on a lower budget. It's difficult to see a benefit to anyone in hurrying the process?
Very much appreciated comment though. Unfortunately work has to take priority: There's special circumstances with the kids that make this necessary, but I am working on it!