Squaring the circle

What shape is Stonehenge? Circular, obviously, everyone says. However, recently 3 surviving images from the middle ages have been found which show it as rectangular. Archeologist have found evidence Avebury, in Wiltshire, which dates from a similar time as Stonehenge, began as a square and Stonehenge followed the pattern. When it's being thought of as a square, it means a central smaller area, possiby a building, round which the stones we are familiar with were placed at a wider distance. In other words, a smaller square "grew" outwards then disappeared.

Other differences have emerged. Writings discovered at the time describe "gateways on top of gateways", as if the stones we see today are just the foundations to another layer.

Work was done to Stonehenge in the 40's/50's, but this doesn't seem to be in the same league as the alleged Sphinx makeover.

Henry of Huntingdon was the 12h century historian describing Stonehenge this way. He was the author of a history of England, the Historia Anglorum, "the most important Anglo-Norman historian to emerge from the secular clergy" 

Avebury

It is thought Stonehenge was built from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. The archeologists are saying the first building at the centre was made from wood, which has perished over the millennia with no trace until they made their discovery in recent times.

The reason Stonehenge was built is still unclear. They range from a place to Conronate Kings, a temple, a computer to calculate astronomical events or a place for healing.

Despite standing for millennia, it's relatively recent past is interesting too - it was sold at auction in 1915 for £6,600 to Cecil Chubb, who reportedly only went to the auction to buy a set of chairs.

It comes as no surprise that such an ancient monument, already surrounded in mystery, is no the subject of a new one in modern times.