HENGE Meaning and
Definition
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A henge is a type of ancient monument typically found in the British Isles, characterized by a circular or oval-shaped earthwork bank encircling a flat interior space. The term "henge" is derived from the Old English word "hengen," meaning a hanging or suspended object, as the earthwork bank seems to hang from the ground. Henges are often associated with religious or ceremonial purposes and were constructed during the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods, dating back several thousand years.
The central feature of a henge is the circular or oval interior, which is devoid of structures and typically contains one or more stone or wooden uprights. These stones, known as megaliths, may be arranged in various configurations, such as concentric circles or horseshoe shapes. The purpose of these stones is not completely understood, but they are believed to have held significant symbolic or ritualistic value for the communities that built and used the henges.
The earthwork bank that encloses the interior space is often accompanied by a ditch on the outer edge, forming a circular trench. The bank and ditch can be quite large in scale, with some henges reaching diameters of several hundred meters. The construction of these monumental earthworks would have required significant labor and organization, suggesting a communal effort and the importance of these sites to the societies that created them.
Henges continue to captivate archaeologists, researchers, and visitors today, as they provide valuable insights into the religious and cultural practices of prehistoric communities.
Common Misspellings for HENGE
- hange
- hing
- heng
- hinge
- hangee
- haenage
- haeng
- hwnge
- hsnge
- hdnge
- hrnge
- h4nge
- h3nge
- hejge
- hengw
- hengd
- hengr
- heng4
- heng3
- ghenge
Etymology of HENGE
The word "henge" has its etymology from the Old English word "hengen", which means "a hanging" or "a suspension". The term "henge" specifically refers to a type of prehistoric monument characterized by a circular bank and ditch enclosure, often with an entrance or causeway. The use of this term to describe such monuments dates back to the early 20th century when archaeologists began to classify and categorize ancient stone circles and other similar structures in Britain. The word "henge" has since become widely recognized and used in the field of archaeology to describe these specific types of ancient circular structures.
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