Stonehenge on NOVA: Pushing the Load

  • Thread starter turbo
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In summary, the conversation discusses the theory that neolithic people may have used grooved timbers and stones as "ball-bearings" and the flaws in their analysis. It also suggests using long levers and momentum to help move heavy loads and jokes about using sheep or a Welshman for the task. The conversation also touches on the preference for lager over beer.
  • #1
turbo
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I'm not averse to the theories that neolithic people might have used grooved timbers and stones as "ball-bearings", but there is a glaring problem with their analysis. The group got men and women to push on the load to try to get it going along its track. Once the loads were moving, they could be kept moving quite easily, but there were definite limits to getting the loads started. Why didn't these "smart" people figure out that if you had some people with long levers, all striving to get the load moving, that the people pushing and pulling the load could use its momentum to help keep it moving?

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/stonehenge/
 
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  • #2
It's obvious that they hooked them to sheep.
 
  • #3
Evo said:
It's obvious that they hooked them to sheep.
OK, I can buy that. were the sheep were spherical and of uniform density? That might help the poor people tasked with doing the calculations.
 
  • #4
Evo said:
It's obvious that they hooked them to sheep.

I feel a joke involving a Welshman brewing... :rolleyes:
 
  • #5


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCRE9qOgbug
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #6
Evo said:
It's obvious that they hooked them to sheep.

If I were going to use a "woolly" animal, I would opt for the Mammoth.

OK, now is the time for the Welsh joke. :smile:
 
  • #7
jarednjames said:
I feel a joke involving a Welshman brewing... :rolleyes:
If I found a Welshman brewing, I'd let him go at it in the hopes that he could improve upon Brit beer. Please.
 
  • #8
turbo-1 said:
If I found a Welshman brewing, I'd let him go at it in the hopes that he could improve upon Brit beer. Please.

I drink Budweiser and Fosters.

I've tasted a few "welsh brews" and they aren't nice. In fact, they're f****** terrible.
 
  • #9
jarednjames said:
I drink Budweiser and Fosters.
Do you drink beer as well?
 
  • #10
Not really, I'm a lager person.
 

FAQ: Stonehenge on NOVA: Pushing the Load

What is Stonehenge and why is it important?

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It is made up of a ring of standing stones, some weighing up to 25 tons, and is estimated to have been constructed around 3000 BC. Its purpose is still a mystery, but many theories suggest it was used for religious or astronomical purposes.

How were the stones of Stonehenge transported and erected?

The stones of Stonehenge were likely transported from over 200 miles away using rollers and sledges. The upright stones were then lifted into place using a complex system of ropes and pulleys, and the lintels were carefully placed on top. It is believed that it took hundreds of people and many years to complete the construction of Stonehenge.

Why did the builders of Stonehenge choose this particular location?

The location of Stonehenge was likely chosen because of its alignment with the summer solstice. The sun rises directly over the Heel Stone, one of the standing stones outside the circle, on the longest day of the year. This suggests that Stonehenge was used for astronomical observations and may have been a sacred site for the people who built it.

What new discoveries have been made about Stonehenge through the use of modern technology?

Recent studies using ground-penetrating radar and other non-invasive techniques have revealed that there may be more structures and features surrounding Stonehenge than previously thought. These discoveries have shed new light on the purpose and construction of the monument, and continue to add to our understanding of this ancient site.

What can we learn from studying Stonehenge?

Studying Stonehenge can help us better understand the culture, beliefs, and technology of the people who built it. It also offers insights into the development of human society and the ways in which ancient civilizations interacted with their environment. By studying Stonehenge, we can also gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and engineering skill of our ancestors.

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