Callanish
The systems of Callanish ( gäl. Calanais, both from Old Norse Kalas ness, as much as Kalas Peninsula / headland ) are the largest pool today known rock formation of megalithic in the British Isles. Calanais located at Breasclete on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Other designations are Callernish and Classerniss. To date, 12 probably about 20 stone circles have been excavated from ancient standing stones within a few kilometers of the past.
The stone circles in which the alignments and stone circles stand out, but later passage tombs of Orkney - Cromarty type ( Stalled Cairns ) added were created during the Neolithic Age around 3000 BC. In the Bronze Age the equipment was looted or abandoned. Since 800 BC, it was covered in the course of formation of raised bog peat, the ( year of the first excavation ) about 1.5 m high covered up to 4.75 m high menhirs in 1857.
As with other megalithic places of worship, the purpose of the formations is unclear and the subject of much speculation. The most likely theory to explain the arrangement of Caldragh Idols ( Callanish 1, the main formation ) refers to the moon: All 18.6 years the moon is so over the hills surrounding the formations that it looks as if he was their with his run follow silhouette. The play gives the impression that the moon visit the earth and would dance with her. The Caldragh Idols allow this event predict.
Calanais is - probably mainly because of its geographical remoteness - less well known than the megaliths of Stonehenge or Avebury. The granite stones are virtually ignored and less than the Sars stones of Stonehenge. The systems impress but both by the number of blocks used as well as by the number of formations. In addition, they are partially intact, for example, all 13 stones of the central circle Callanish 1
The most important formations
Calanais or Caldragh Idols ( Callanish 1)
The main investment " Callanish I" is almost created a cross shape in a north-south orientation. The intersection consists of a stone circle with a central monolith and a small cairn.
The stone circle is not an exact circle, but has a slight egg shape. However, it is symmetric, the symmetry axis runs exactly from east to west. The western side of the stone circle is a true semi-circle, the eastern half is slightly flattened and gives the impression to offer the vernal equinox sunrise to the face.
The southern stone row runs in almost exact south direction. The menhirs are not available, however, on a line, and two stones are offset right and left. The "arms" of the cross thus constitute only approximately a geometric figure. The eastern " arm " consists of five standing stones arranged in a slight arc and slightly north differ from the East-West line. The western " arm " is something quite straight and parallel to the exact east-west direction.
The northern part of the cross is formed by a Stone Avenue, which narrows towards the stone circle. Perhaps the avenue was used in rituals to approach the stone circle with the altar stone, but it could also have served a different purpose.
Other names for this formation are: Classerniss, Callernish, Callanish, Tursachan Callernish, The Standing Stones of Callanish.
Cnoc Ceann a'Ghàrraidh ( Callanish 2)
A circle of stones are composed of presumably original nine stones, five of which stand upright and three fallen. The menhirs are 2.4 to 3.5 meters tall.
Callanish II in 1858 released from peat. In addition to the eight visible stones you found another, and a roughly carved Cairn, in which there were some metal objects.
In the excavation inside the circle five holes were found, which were filled with pebbles and shells from the beach. In the holes are remains of charcoal were. It is believed that Callanish II was used for cremations or ritual burns. Unclear is the relationship between Callanish II and the main investment Callanish I.
Other names for this formation are: Hillock at the end of the wall, knock Ceann a Garie, Cnoc Ceann, Loch Roag, Cnoc Ceann a'Gharaidh, Callanish II
Cnoc Beag Fillibhir ( Callanish 3)
Callanish III is a double stone ring with eight to ten feet high standing stones in the outer ring and four inside. Callanish III, either as two nested ellipses are interpreted or as large, egg-shaped stone ring with four standing stones inside. It is believed that the four pieces are in the interior is more recent than the outer ring.
Other names for this formation are: Little fillibhir hillock, Mhelivir Knock, Cnoc Fillibhir, Callanish III.
Ceann Thulabhaig ( Callanish 4)
A stone circle with five stationary and a fallen menhir. In the center there is a small cairn, which was built by another menhir around. Callanish IV was excavated in 1946. The standing stones are the remains of an oval ring and up to 2.7 meters high.
Other names for this formation are: Head of hula bay, Ceann Hulivig, Ceann Hulavig, Cean Thulabig Tursachan, Ceann Thulabhig, Ceann Thulabeg, Garynahine, Loch Roag, Callanish IV
Airigh nam Bidearan ( Callanish 5)
A stone arch, are still three stones of the day. Presumably, they were part of a Menhirfeldes that marked the northernmost point that the moon could achieve on its course.
Other names for this formation are: Shieling of the pinnacles, Airidh Bideran nam, nam Tursachan Airidh Bidearan, Callanish V.
Cul a'Chleit ( Callanish 6)
Most of this formation consists of a settlement. Two standing stones found were either part of the settlement or part of a prehistoric cairn or a lost stone plant.
Cnoc Dubh ( Callanish 7)
A ruin, from which was originally assumed that it was a prehistoric site. Recent studies have shown, however, that it was a relatively new building. Callanish VII so really does not belong to the facilities of Calanais.
Other names are: Black hillock, Chnoc Dhubh, Cnoc a botha, Callanish VII
Cleitir ( Callanish 8)
Four standing stones on a cliff overlooking the channel which separates the Great Bernera peninsula of the main island of Lewis.
Other names are: Cliffs, Tursachan Barraglom, Great Berneray, Bernera Bridge, Cleiter, Callanisch VIII
Druim nam Bidearan ( Callanish 9)
Two fallen menhirs. The purpose of Callanish IX is unclear.
Well Dromannan ( Callanish 10)
Eleven fallen menhirs, which probably formed a circle of stones. They come from a rock all in the vicinity.
Other names: the Ridges, the Backs, Callanish X
Airigh na Beinne Bige ( Callanish 11)
A single standing stone. He might have been part of a larger formation, but for which there is no further evidence. Callanish XI stands directly opposite Callanish VIII
Other names: Shieling of the little hill, Callanish XI.
Stonefield ( Callanish 12)
A single standing stone near the main formation Callanish Callanish I. XII was discovered in 1923.
Other names: Blair, Callanish XII.