Historian suggests Stonehenge was platform for 'an ancient Mecca on stilts'

Former museum curator Julian Spalding believes we've been looking at Stonehenge all wrong.

Spalding has proposed that Stonehenge wasn't meant to be viewed from Earth-level, but was actually a platform where people could elevate themselves to worship deities. The platforms, according to Spalding, would elevate religious leaders, bringing them closer to the gods.

"In early times, no spiritual ceremonies would have been performed on the ground," Spalding told The Guardian. "The Pharaoh of Egypt and the Emperor of China were always carried — as the Pope used to be. The feet of holy people were not allowed to touch the ground."

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Spalding added that Stonehenge, which was built between 3,000 and 2,000 B.C.E, may have served as "an ancient Mecca on stilts." He believes the site may have held stairs or ramps to allow religious leaders to reach a raised altar.

Historians haven't found physical evidence to support Spalding's proposal. But they still don't know Stonehenge's purpose, and Spalding's claim is certainly an interesting one. Others believe Stonehenge was a type of astronomical calendar, or a place of (ground-level) worship.