Professor Trevor Cox: Was Stonehenge an ancient acoustic chamber?

For decades, Stonehenge, the mysterious prehistoric circle of stones built on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, has left scientists scratching their heads. Who exactly built it and what was it used for?

In the latest attempt to get to the bottom of this mystery, a team of engineers based at the University of Salford have 3D-printed a scale model of the ancient monument in order to investigate the effect its unique structure would’ve had on conversations, rituals, and even music.

We spoke to Professor Trevor Cox, the acoustic engineer heading up the study, to find out more.

Let us know what you think of the episode with a review or a comment wherever you listen to your podcasts.

• Subscribe to the Science Focus Podcast on these services: Acast, iTunes, Stitcher, RSS, Overcast
• Read the full transcription [this will open in a new window]

This podcast was supported by brilliant.org, helping people build quantitative skills in maths, science, and computer science with fun and challenging interactive explorations.

Listen to more episodes of the Science Focus Podcast:

• Trevor Cox: To become Prime Minister, change your voice
• Natalie Starkey: What asteroids can tell us about our Solar System
• Mike Garrett: Is there anybody out there?
• Colin Stuart: The most mysterious objects in the Universe
• Dr Lucy Rogers: What makes a robot a robot?
• Pete Etchells: Are video games good for us?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices