Ep 5. Secrets of Stonehenge

In season 38 episode 5 of NOVA, titled "Secrets of Stonehenge," viewers are taken on an intriguing journey to explore one of the world's most mysterious and iconic prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge. The episode begins by highlighting the awe-inspiring nature of the familiar stone circle, situated in the English countryside, and asks the essential question of what could have led the ancient builders to construct it in the first place.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are introduced to a team of archaeologists, engineers, and geologists who embark on a mission to unravel the secrets of Stonehenge. Their goal is to use cutting-edge technologies such as 3D scanning and laser mapping to discover more about the Neolithic peoples who built the monument, and the engineering techniques they used to do so.

The first step in this process is a close examination of the stones themselves. By using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology, the team can analyze the chemical composition of the stones and determine where they originated from. This is a crucial first step as it reveals that the stones were transported from an outcrop over 100 miles away, making it all the more impressive that they were transported and erected over 4000 years ago. However, the team members do not stop there. They also examine other smaller stones in the surrounding area, which they believe could hold the key to how the monument was constructed.

Through the use of innovative computer models, the team comes up with fascinating new theories about how the monument was constructed. Initially believed to have been constructed by lifting the stones upright and then sliding them into place, the emergence of detailed digital models suggests an even more impressive feat. These models reveal what could potentially have been a "rolling" process that involved a matrix of wooden beams used to create a kind of cradle that could transport the stones.

Throughout the episode, the scientists show viewers just how their understanding of Stonehenge continues to evolve, even with such innovative techniques at their disposal. Reinforcing how much remains yet to be done, at one point in the show, a geologist points out that many of the smaller stones surrounding Stonehenge have not even been thoroughly studied yet.

Beyond just a quest for engineering knowledge and historical accuracy, the episode touches on the cultural significance of Stonehenge, both for the people who built it and those who have visited it in the thousands of years since. It shows that the monument had purposes beyond a simple observatory or even ritualistic site, and that Stonehenge was likely a gathering place for people from all over the British Isles.

NOVA's "Secrets of Stonehenge" is a perfect example of high-quality documentary filmmaking. It showcases the talent of experts across a range of fields and presents their work in a visually engaging manner. The combination of fascinating theories, cutting-edge technology, and a backdrop as unique and beguiling as Stonehenge is sure to captivate those interested in prehistory and engineering alike. By the end, viewers will learn not just about what Stonehenge is, but also about how human beings have always been intrigued by questions of their past and how those questions continue to drive scientific research and exploration.