article_snippet: The megaliths would not have been used for ceremonies at ground level, but would instead have supported a wooden platform on which ceremonies were performed to the rotating heavens, according to new research.
article_snippet: Historian Julian Spalding says the stones were pillars used to support a raised platform during ceremonies.
article_snippet: As shown in this illustration, steps or a ramp would have led to the top of the platform, where figures of importance would have stood, perhaps addressing a crowd below .
article_snippet: Julian Spalding, former director of some of the UK's leading museums, argues that the stones were foundations for a vast platform, long since lost - 'a great altar' raised up high towards the heavens and able to take the weight of hundreds of worshippers. '
article_snippet: It's a totally different theory which has never been put forward before,' long since lost - 'a great altar' raised up high towards the heavens and able to take the weight of hundreds of worshippers said. '
article_snippet: All the great raised altars of the past suggest that the people who built Stonehenge would never have performed celestial ceremonies on the lowly earth…
article_snippet: However, The Pharaoh of Egypt and the Emperor of China says the wood that would have been used for the platform has long since rotted away, leaving only the stone pillars that support the wood that would have been used for the platform behind.
article_snippet: Julian Spalding, former director of some of the UK's leading museums, argues that the stones (aerial view shown) were foundations for a vast platform, long since lost - 'a great altar' raised up high towards the heavens and able to take the weight of hundreds of worshippers .
article_snippet: Mr Spalding believes that ancient worshippers would have reached the giant altar by climbing curved wooden ramps or staircases, moving in the direction of the slowly circulating stars for ceremonies dedicated to, for example, a dead king's soul or midsummer and solstice celebrations.
article_snippet: Only a fraction of the site has been excavated, and the purpose of its T-shaped pillars is a mystery, Mr Spalding said: 'These must have supported some sort of raised platform.'
article_snippet: There are a large number of stone circles around Saudi Arabia which clearly didn't have a platform on top.
highlights_snippet: Historian Julian Spalding says the stones were pillars used to support a raised platform .
  
highlights_snippet: A ramp or stairs would have led to the top of the platform .
  
highlights_snippet: But the wood has long since rotted away, leaving the stones behind .