Stonehenge Empire

Stonehenge Empire is an enlightening two-part documentary from the Smithsonian Channel that blends traditional documentary filming, archaeological discoveries, and high-quality CGI to reveal new insights about one of the world's most intriguing prehistoric sites. The 2014 series plunges into the world of ancient neolithic culture, shedding light on the mysterious monument of Stonehenge, its purpose, and its relationship with the surrounding landscape.

The series sets out on a mission to debunk the conventional wisdom of Stonehenge as a standalone structure situated in isolation. By focusing on the Stonehenge Empire, it connects the monument to a network of monuments and ceremonial sites, spanning across several miles, to create a sophisticated, interconnected society. This perspective provides a holistic picture of the ancient culture and the rituals performed there, including insights into the life, death and religious beliefs of the society that lived in this era.

The first episode dives into the world of neolithic culture through the latest, groundbreaking archaeological excavations at the monument itself and the areas around it, conducted by world-renowned archaeologists. It blends scientific inquiry with stunning visual depictions, unveiling multiple interconnected henges, tombs, and shrines that reveal the complexity of their social and religious structure and rituals that extended beyond the iconic stones of Stonehenge. The show reveals how this vast and complex empire was built, with the usage of only the most rudimentary tools, everything from stone axes to deer antlers, depicting an impressive feat of engineering and dedication.

The second episode continues unraveling the mysteries of Stonehenge, emphasizing its place in the wider landscape. Here, Stonehenge is revealed to be a central element of an elaborate and extensive system of paths, avenues, processional routes and astronomical markers. The documentary examines the well-known astronomical alignment with the summer solstice sunrise, investigating theories that indicate extensive planning and astronomical knowledge by our ancestors. The usage of the surrounding landscape for seasonal and celestial rituals reveals the deep reach of ancient people's knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

In an effort to fully envisage the Stonehenge Empire and bring the ancient world back to life, throughout both episodes, the documentary utilizes innovative and detailed computer-generated imaging. This CGI recreates impressive neolithic rituals, including the summer and winter solstices, transporting viewers back to over 5,000 years ago. Showing how much communal effort went into erecting these stones and how their final placement would have inspired awe aids to emphasize the significance of Stonehenge to the people of that era.

The documentary also includes participation from many experts in archaeology and anthropology.

Stonehenge Empire is not just a dry historical account; it is also an exploration of the deeply human impulse to create, link, and make sense of the world. The documentary manages to breathe life back into these ancient stones, exploring the spiritual and cultural relevance of Stonehenge and its surroundings, and presenting it in an engaging manner that leaves viewers intrigued and primed for more.

Stonehenge Empire is a must-see for anyone interested in history, archaeology, anthropology, or anyone who is simply curious about one of the most famous neolithic sites and wants to learn more about it. This well-researched, in-depth, and visually stunning two-part series not only deepens understanding of Stonehenge but also vividly captures the lives, beliefs, and the world of our neolithic ancestors. The series envelops its viewers in the incredible narrative spun around this world heritage site, the people who built it, and the landscape that surrounds it in a way that will leave viewers with a new appreciation for this ancient civilization and its engineering marvel, the Stonehenge.