10 Mysterious Stone Circles from Around the World That Still Baffle Historians

Stone circles, scattered across the globe, are among the most intriguing relics of ancient human civilization. Dating back to the Stone and Bronze Ages, many of these megalithic monuments remain shrouded in mystery.

Without written records left behind by their builders, we are left to wonder: Who built them? How were they constructed? And most intriguingly, why?

Below are ten fascinating stone circles, each holding secrets from humanity’s distant past.

1. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England

Undoubtedly the most famous stone circle in the world, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument dating back to around 3100 BC. Its iconic concentric rings of massive sandstone and bluestone pillars are aligned with the solstices, hinting at astronomical or ceremonial purposes.

Recent discoveries suggest some stones originated as far as 460 miles (740 km) away in Scotland. Despite decades of study, the exact purpose of Stonehenge—whether religious, funerary, or astronomical—remains unknown.

2. Medicine Wheel – Bighorn National Forest, USA

Nestled atop Medicine Mountain in Wyoming, this sacred Native American site measures about 80 feet (24 meters) wide, with 28 radial spokes. Although its creators remain unknown, the Crow Nation recounts that the wheel predates their presence.

It aligns with the heliacal risings of Aldebaran, Sirius, and Rigel, suggesting sophisticated celestial knowledge. Carbon dating has been inconclusive, but scholars estimate its construction around AD 1050.

3. Carisbrook Stone Arrangement – Victoria, Australia

This boomerang-shaped formation, believed to be of Aboriginal origin, may date back thousands of years. Measuring 200 feet (61 meters) in length, the site includes small cairns and possibly served as an initiation ground for young boys. Its true purpose, like many ancient structures, remains speculative.

4. The Hurlers – Cornwall, UK

Located near the village of Minions, these three large circles are believed to date from 2100 to 1500 BC. Local legend claims they are men turned to stone for playing hurling on a Sunday.

Some researchers suggest astronomical alignments with the stars Vega and Arcturus, though definitive evidence is scarce. Two solitary stones nearby, known as “the pipers,” may have served as a ceremonial gateway.

5. The Merry Maidens – St. Buryan, UK

Another Cornish legend surrounds this perfect circle of 19 evenly spaced stones, said to be women punished for dancing on the Sabbath. Two nearby stones—“the pipers”—were allegedly their musicians.

Measuring about 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter, the Merry Maidens’ symmetry suggests deliberate construction, although its builders remain unidentified.

6. Oyu Stone Circles – Akita Prefecture, Japan

Discovered in 1931, the twin Oyu circles—Manza and Nonakado—are among Japan’s most important Jomon-period archaeological sites. Made of river stones, the circles date from 2000 to 1500 BC and show clear solstice alignments, possibly used as solar calendars.

Artifacts like stone tools and swords suggest ceremonial use and community gatherings.

7. Dolni Glavanak Cromlech – Bulgaria

Hidden in the Rhodope Mountains, this small stone ring consists of 12 rhyodacite pillars, nine still standing. Dating to around 700–500 BC, it was likely used for burial rituals, as excavations uncovered cremated human remains and bronze tools.

Discovered only in 1998, it's one of Bulgaria’s few cromlechs and showcases the region’s Bronze Age craftsmanship.

8. Boscawen-Un – Cornwall, UK

A lesser-known but equally captivating site, Boscawen-Un is composed of 19 standing stones arranged in a rough ellipse, with a tall central leaning stone. It features a unique quartz marker aligned with the winter solstice.

Artifacts found nearby date the site to the Bronze Age, and the circle may have served both solar and ritualistic purposes.

9. Rujm el-Hiri – Golan Heights, Israel

Known locally as Gilgal Refaim, this massive complex features five concentric stone rings built from over 42,000 basalt rocks. Its outer ring spans 520 feet (158 meters) in diameter.

Dating back to around 3000 BC, its exact function is unknown. Though solstice alignments exist, scholars believe the site was likely used for funerary or ceremonial purposes, despite no human remains being found to date.

10. Solstice Archaeological Park – Calçoene, Brazil

Often called the “Amazonian Stonehenge”, this megalithic site contains 127 granite monoliths up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall. It’s aligned with the winter solstice, and cremated remains found in urns point to funeral and astronomical uses.

Carbon-dated artifacts place the construction between 2000 BC and 500 AD, making it one of South America’s most significant prehistoric monuments.

These ancient stone circles, found across six continents, reveal glimpses into the beliefs, astronomy, and rituals of long-lost civilizations. While modern science has unveiled some of their secrets, many mysteries still endure, leaving these majestic structures as silent guardians of the ancient world.***