Temple or Burial Place?
Newgrange is a stone tomb in Ireland which was slowly built in Neolithic times, about five thousand years ago.
From the outside you can easily see a mound of earth which is thirty-six feet high and two hundred sixty-two feet from side to side.
There are ninety-seven stones standing solidly around the mound, some of which have stone carvings on them. Elaborate stones mark the entrance to a sixty-two foot passageway that leads into the tomb.
The passageway leads into a large, empty, sturdily built chamber which has stone walls and a stone roof. This stone is also covered with carvings. There is a stone window above the passageway. It allows sunlight to flow directly into the chamber. This only happens around December twenty-first which is the Winter Solstice, when the days are at their shortest.
No one knows why Newgrange was built or what happened there. Experts think it took about three hundred men more than twenty years to build the tomb which, theoretically, may have served as a temple or burial place.
Oh my, that’s fascinating! Were you able to walk all around Newgrange? I don’t suppose any one would be allowed inside, but it would be amazing just to stand near it. Thank you for writing such a detailed essay. I am always learning something new.
Yes, but we weren’t able to go inside. You’re welcome.
I like all the measurements in this post—it helps me visualize how large it is! Were you able to go inside? Very cool adventures! Thanks for sharing.
I was not able to go inside because of Covid 19. You’re welcome!
Your writing is so precise, I felt like I was actually there with you. Your words helped me see the historical site through your eyes and heart. I feel blessed that your were able to share this experience with us.
Thank you!
Your descriptions made me feel as if I had a picture of everything you described. It looks like it may have been misty when you visited. Did you think it had been a temple or burial place? Thank you for sharing this!
It was misty! You’re welcome.