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Largest stones in the world
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Largest stones ever (aerial view):
The largest stones are so big that they can actually be spotted on aerial imagery:
The use of large stones throughout human history has been significant, serving various purposes that reflect the technological capabilities, spiritual beliefs, and social structures of different civilizations. Here’s an overview of how large stones have been utilized from prehistoric times to the present day:
- Unfinished Obelisk: The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, Egypt, weighs approximately 1,200 tons and measures about 42 meters long. Carved from granite, it dates back to the reign of Hatshepsut in the 15th century BCE. Its incomplete state offers valuable insights into ancient Egyptian quarrying techniques and the challenges faced by craftsmen during the obelisk's construction.
- Stone of the Pregnant Woman: The "Stone of the Pregnant Woman", also known as "Stone of the South," located in Baalbek, Lebanon, is one of the largest known ancient stone blocks, weighing approximately 1,200 tons. It measures about 19.6 meters long, 4.8 meters wide, and 4.2 meters high. This colossal limestone block was intended for the Temple of Jupiter, showcasing the impressive engineering skills of ancient Roman builders
- Colossus of Ramesses: The Colossus of Ramesses II, also known as the "Ozymandias Colossus", is a massive statue located at the Ramesseum in Luxor, Egypt. Carved in red granite, originally standing about 20 meters tall, it weighed more than 1,000 tons. The statue represents Pharaoh Ramesses II and is a testament to ancient Egyptian artistry, despite its current fragmented state, symbolizing the transience of power.
- Colossi of Memno: The Colossi of Memnon are two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III located in Luxor, Egypt. Each statue stands about 18 meters tall and weighs approximately 720 tons. Carved from quartzite sandstone, they were originally part of a larger mortuary temple. The statues are famous for their eerie sounds, attributed to temperature changes, earning them the name "Memnon."
- Western Wall Stone: The largest stone in the Western Wall, part of the ancient structure of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, is known as the "Western Wall Stone." This massive stone measures approximately 13 meters in length, 3 meters in height, and 4.5 meters in width, and it is estimated to weigh around 570 tons. The stone is made of limestone. The Western Wall itself is a significant site for Jewish prayer and pilgrimage, and it remains a part of the Second Temple complex, which was rebuilt after the Babylonian exile.
- Stelae of Axum: The Stelae of Axum are monumental obelisks located in Ethiopia's Axum region, dating back to the 4th century CE. Made of granite, the largest stela weighs approximately 500 tons and stands about 33 meters tall. These ancient structures served as markers for royal tombs and are emblematic of the Kingdom of Axum's architectural prowess and cultural significance.
- Le Grand Menhir Brisé: Le Grand Menhir Brisé, located in Brittany, France, is a massive megalith weighing approximately 330 tons. Made of granite, it originally stood around 20.6 meters tall before it was toppled. This ancient stone monument is part of the Carnac stones and is believed to have been erected during the Neolithic period, serving as a significant cultural landmark.
- Lateran Obelisk: The Lateran Obelisk, originally erected by Pharaoh Ramses II in Heliopolis, stands 32 meters tall and weighs approximately 326 tons. Made of red granite, it was transported to Rome by Emperor Constantine I in 357 CE. This monumental obelisk is located in front of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, symbolizing the power of ancient civilizations.
- Obelisk in Paris: Originally from Luxor, Egypt, weighs about 250 tons and is made of pink granite. Erected in 1836, it stands 23 meters tall and is one of two ancient obelisks that once flanked the entrance to the Luxor Temple. It features hieroglyphs dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses II, celebrating his reign.
- Ganghwa Dolmens: The largest Ganghwa Dolmen, located on Ganghwa Island in South Korea, is a remarkable megalithic structure weighing approximately 250 tons. It features a massive capstone made of granite, supported by three upright stones. Dating back to the Bronze Age, this dolmen is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and reflects the funerary practices of ancient Korean societies. In Korea there are many dolmens (for example this Ganghwa Osang-ri Dolmen Cluster).
- The capstone of Cueva de la Menga: The capstone of Cueva de la Menga in Antequera, Spain, weighs approximately 180 tons and is made of limestone. This prehistoric burial chamber, dating back to the Neolithic period, features this massive stone resting on supporting megaliths, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of ancient builders and their significant cultural practices related to burial and ritual.
- Tlaloc statue: The Tlaloc statue, located in Mexico, is a monumental representation of the Aztec rain god Tlaloc. Carved from volcanic stone, specifically andesite, it weighs approximately 168 tons. This impressive sculpture, characterized by its intricate details and fierce expression, reflects the significance of Tlaloc in Aztec culture, symbolizing fertility, water, and agricultural abundance.
- El Gigante, Moai: The largest moai on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is known as "El Gigante." It measures approximately 21.6 meters long and weighs an estimated 160 to 182 tons. This moai is notable for its size and is unfinished, demonstrating the quarrying techniques used by the Rapa Nui people. If completed, it would have been the largest moai ever erected on the island, highlighting the impressive craftsmanship and cultural significance of these monumental statues. The largest moai that was standing is in the north coast, it's the moai Paro:. It was once standing about 10 meters tall and weighed approximately 82 tons.
- Menhir de Champ-Dolent: The Menhir de Champ-Dolent, located in Brittany, France, is a significant megalith standing about 9.5 meters tall and weighing approximately 100 tons. Carved from granite, it is one of the tallest menhirs in the region. This prehistoric monument, dating back to the Neolithic period, reflects the ancient cultures that inhabited the area and their ritual practices.
- Kerloas Menhir: Located in Brittany, France, is one of the tallest menhirs in the region, standing at 9.5 meters tall and weighing approximately 100 tons. Carved from granite, this prehistoric monument dates back to the Neolithic period and reflects the ancient cultures' ritual practices and engineering skills, making it a significant archaeological site.
- Puma Punku: The largest stone at Puma Punku (Bolivia) is part of Plataforma Lítica, a slab made of andesite, weighing approximately 130 tons. It measures about 7.5 meters, long, 5 meters wide, and 1 meter thick. This massive stone is evidence of the advanced engineering and precise craftsmanship of the ancient Tiwanaku civilization.
- Sacsayhuamán, Peru: There are many large granite stones at Sacsayhuamán, Peru, with some of the biggest weighing over 120 tons. Sacsayhuamán is famous for its impressive dry-stone construction, where the stones fit together so tightly that mortar is not needed.
- Sarcophagus of Amenemhet III: It's located in the Pyramid of Amenemhat III (Dahshur), weighs 110 tons and is carved from red quartzite. This massive stone sarcophagus, dating back to the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, demanded the skill of ancient artisans.
- Bajouillière Dolmen: The largest stone in the Bajouillière Dolmen, located in Brittany, France, is a massive granite slab weighing approximately 100 tons. This megalithic structure, dating back to the Neolithic period, features a rectangular chamber topped by this large capstone, showcasing the engineering skills of ancient builders. The dolmen serves as a significant archaeological site reflecting prehistoric burial practices.
- Gollenstein Menhir: The Gollenstein Menhir, located in Germany, is a notable prehistoric standing stone weighing approximately 100 tons. Composed of limestone, this menhir stands about 6.6 meters tall. It is believed to have been erected during the Neolithic period and served as a marker or for ritual purposes, reflecting the ancient cultures that inhabited the region.
- Browne's Hill Dolmen: The capstone of Browne's Hill Dolmen, located in County Carlow, Ireland, is a massive granite slab weighing approximately 100 tons. This prehistoric structure dates back to around 2500 BCE and features a distinctive shape, supported by three upright stones. The dolmen serves as a significant archaeological site, reflecting the burial practices of ancient Irish communities.
- Sun Temple, Ollantaytambo: At the Sun Temple in Ollantaytambo, Peru, in the "Wall of the Six Monoliths." the blocks weigh 50-100 tons. Most of the blocks consist of a hard andesite. They show the impressive engineering skills of the Inca civilization. The stone's precise fit with surrounding structures exemplifies advanced stone-cutting techniques and highlights the temple's significant architectural importance.
- The Cove, Avebury: The largest stone in Avebury, England, is part of the Outer Stone Circle. It stands approximately 4.2 meters tall and its weight was estimated in 100 tons considering the part that is below the ground. Made of sarsen stone, a durable sandstone, it is one of the key features of this Neolithic monument, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Treasury of Atreus: The largest stone in the Treasury of Atreus, a monumental tholos tomb in Mycenae, Greece, is a massive lintel stone weighing approximately 120 tons. Made of limestone, this impressive block forms part of the entrance to the tomb, showcasing the advanced engineering skills of the Mycenaean civilization. The structure dates back to around 1250 BCE.
- Bagneux Dolmen: Massive capstones weighing approximately 40 tons, but the larger one estimated to weigh 86 tons. Dating back to the Neolithic period, it serves as a significant archaeological site, reflecting ancient burial practices and the engineering skills of prehistoric communities that erected such megalithic structures.
- Menhir of Saint-Uzec: Located in Brittany, France, is one of the largest standing stones in the region, weighing approximately 80 tons. This impressive menhir stands 8.1 m tall. Erected during the Neolithic period, it reflects the ancient practices and beliefs of the communities that once inhabited the area.
- Ishibutai Tomb: The largest capstone of Ishibutai Tomb weighs approximately 75 tons. This monumental stone is part of a key burial site from the 7th century in Japan, showing the remarkable engineering and construction skills of ancient builders. The tomb is significant for its historical context and the funerary practices of the era.
- Hagar Qim: The largest stone at Hagar Qim, a prehistoric temple complex in Malta, weighs approximately 70 tons and is made of limestone. This massive megalith is part of the complex, which dates back to around 3600-3200 BCE. Hagar Qim is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings, reflecting the advanced skills of its ancient builders.
- Grange Stone Circle: The largest stone in Grange Stone Circle, located in Ireland, weighs approximately 60 tons. This massive stone is primarily composed of granite, showcasing the impressive engineering skills of ancient builders. The Grange Stone Circle is notable for its megalithic structure and is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes, reflecting the cultural significance of the site.
- Arwad Wall: The largest stone in the Arwad Wall, located on Arwad Island in Syria, can weigh up to 50 tons. This impressive monolithic block is primarily composed of limestone. The wall itself is a significant historical structure, reflecting the advanced engineering techniques of ancient civilizations and serving as a testament to the island's rich architectural heritage.
- Osirion Temple: The Osirion at Abydos features impressive megalithic pillar stones, composed of granite. These massive stones can weigh 50 - 60 tons each, reflecting the advanced engineering skills of ancient Egyptians. The structure, believed to be a funerary temple for Osiris, reflects the significance of the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture and their architectural prowess. The beams that were built above the pillars were even bigger estimated to weigh about 110 tons.
- Göbekli Tepe: Göbekli Tepe features massive pillar stones, made of limestone, weighing up to 50 tons each. The largest pillars, known as T-shaped monoliths, stand around 7 meters tall. These intricately carved stones, dating back to around 9600 BCE, showcase early human artistic expression and are believed to have served religious or ceremonial purposes in this ancient site.
- Stonehenge: The largest stones at Stonehenge, known as sarsens, weigh around 25 tons and stand up to 7 meters tall. These sandstone blocks were transported from the Marlborough Downs, approximately 30 kilometers away. The smaller bluestones, made of dolerite, weigh between 2 to 4 tons and were sourced from the Preseli Hills in Wales, about 200 kilometers away.
The use of large stones in human history:
- Prehistoric Times
- Megalithic Structures: The earliest uses of large stones can be traced back to the Neolithic period, where they were employed to construct megalithic structures such as dolmens, menhirs, and stone circles. These structures often served as burial sites, ceremonial spaces, or astronomical observatories. For example, Stonehenge in England, built around 3000-2000 BCE, is believed to have been used for rituals and possibly as an astronomical calendar.
- Spiritual Significance: Large stones often held spiritual significance for prehistoric peoples. They were seen as markers of territory or as sacred sites. The act of erecting and moving these stones required considerable effort and organization, reflecting the social cohesion and spiritual beliefs of the communities involved.
- Ancient Civilizations
- Egyptian Pyramids: In ancient Egypt, the construction of the pyramids, particularly the Great Pyramid of Giza, showcases the use of massive limestone and granite blocks. These structures were built as tombs for pharaohs, symbolizing their power and connection to the divine. The precise alignment of the pyramids with celestial bodies indicates a sophisticated understanding of astronomy.
- Baalbek Trilithon: In Lebanon, the massive stones of the Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek, some weighing over 800 tons, exemplify the grandeur of Roman engineering. The sheer size of these stones was intended to showcase the power and influence of the Roman Empire.
- Mesoamerican Civilizations: Cultures like the Maya and Aztecs used large stones to construct temples and pyramids, often adorned with intricate carvings. These structures served not only as places of worship but also as symbols of political power, with rulers often depicted in stone reliefs.
- Medieval to Modern Times
- Castles and Fortifications: In medieval Europe, large stones were used to build castles and fortifications, symbolizing the power and authority of feudal lords. The use of stone in construction provided both strength and a lasting legacy.
- Monolithic Structures: In India, structures like the monolithic temples in Mahabalipuram and the Kailasa temple in Ellora demonstrate advanced stone-carving techniques and the spiritual significance of the deities they represent.
- Statues and Monuments: Large stones have also been used to create statues and monuments, such as the Moai of Easter Island, which represent ancestral figures and hold cultural significance for the Rapa Nui people.
- Mysterious Aspects
- Transportation and Carving: The methods used to carve and transport these massive stones are often shrouded in mystery. For example, the construction of the Great Pyramid involved moving stones from quarries located miles away. Theories suggest the use of sledges, lubrication with water, and large labor forces, but definitive evidence remains elusive.
- Alignment and Astronomy: Many ancient structures exhibit remarkable astronomical alignments, leading to questions about the knowledge and technologies of ancient civilizations. Sites like Stonehenge and the Pyramids reflect advanced understanding of solar and lunar cycles.
- Cultural Significance: The reasons behind the choice of specific stones or locations can be enigmatic. Some stones are believed to have been chosen for their spiritual properties or their connection to the land, raising questions about the beliefs of the societies that constructed these monuments.
- Contemporary Use
In modern times, large stones continue to be used for various purposes, including landscaping, monuments, and public art. They serve as reminders of our historical past, reflecting the enduring human fascination with stone as a medium of expression and power.
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