Ep 3. Who Built Stonehenge?

In this episode of Naked Science, viewers are taken on a journey to uncover the mystery surrounding the construction of Stonehenge, one of the most iconic and enigmatic landmarks in the world. Standing for over 4,000 years on the windswept plains of Salisbury in southern England, Stonehenge has remained a fascination for archaeologists, historians, and scientists alike.

The show begins by introducing the historical significance of Stonehenge and the various theories that have been proposed over the years for its origin and purpose. From prehistoric burial ground to a pagan temple, the possibilities are endless, and the clues are scarce. However, a new generation of scientists is determined to use cutting-edge technology to unravel the mystery once and for all.

The episode centers around a team of experts led by Professor Mike Parker Pearson, who has been studying Stonehenge for over 30 years. He believes that the key to unlocking the secrets of Stonehenge lies in the surrounding landscape. By exploring the nearby rivers and valleys, he hopes to gain insight into the culture and lifestyle of the people who built the monument.

Viewers are taken on an exciting journey as the team embarks on a series of ambitious expeditions to uncover new evidence and clues. They use aerial drones to survey the area, revealing a network of hidden underground tunnels that could hold the key to unraveling the mystery. The team then takes to the river in a replica Bronze Age boat to retrace the same journey that the builders of Stonehenge would have taken over 4,000 years ago.

The show also features other experts, including archaeobotanist Dr. Mark Robinson, who uncovers new evidence that suggests that the people who built Stonehenge were farmers who lived in surrounding villages. By analyzing the pollen from the preserved soil, Robinson is able to paint a picture of what the landscape would have looked like at the time.

Another key member of the team is Wiltshire-based blacksmith, Chris Topp, who has been working for over 20 years to cast a replica of one of the Stonehenge stones. The process is a complicated one, and Topp must use the same techniques that would have been employed by the ancient builders of Stonehenge.

As the team analyzes their findings, they begin to piece together a more complete picture of the people who built Stonehenge. They discover that the stones likely came from quarries in Wales, and that the building of the monument would have required the cooperation of tens of thousands of people across hundreds of miles. By using technology to investigate the site in new ways and by drawing on expertise from many different fields, they slowly uncover the answers to the mysteries that have puzzled scientists for decades.

The episode concludes with the team presenting their findings and theories at a conference in London, where they reveal the most complete and nuanced understanding of Stonehenge to date. Although the questions surrounding Stonehenge still remain, the ongoing work of experts like Professor Parker Pearson and his team is bringing us closer to understanding the monument, and the people who built it, than ever before.

Overall, Naked Science's "Who Built Stonehenge?" episode is an engaging and informative exploration of one of the world's most iconic landmarks. By delving into the history, technology, and culture behind the monument, the show offers a fresh perspective and an exciting glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work of experts who are dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the past.