The Rest Is History

114. Stonehenge, ancient ritual and the origins of paganism

Nov 2, 2021

Ronald Hutton, a Professor of History at the University of Bristol and an authority on British paganism and witchcraft, dives into the ancient world of rituals and beliefs. The discussion covers the historical significance of Stonehenge, the complexities of documenting pagan practices, and the intriguing interplay between ancient paganism and the rise of Christianity. Hutton reveals mysteries surrounding the Druids, their enigmatic rituals, and the continuing legacy of pagan symbolism in modern culture, showcasing how ancient beliefs continue to shape contemporary spirituality.

53:54

Episode guests

Ronald Hutton

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Taking Over Old Religions

02:24

Are They Operating Still Within A Kind Of Christian Framework?

03:09

What's Going On?

01:59

The Law of Average - Let's Have As Many Views As Possible

02:32

Intro

2min

Exploring the Complexities of Paganism and Historical Evidence

2min

Paganism and Christianity: A Complex Interplay

19min

The Resilience and Revival of Lithuanian Paganism

6min

Druids and Modern Styles

4min

Mysteries of Ancient Beliefs

20min

Exploring Academic Insights and the Festive Aspects of History

2min

Like Merlin, who lived his life in reverse, we go backwards in time as we continue our two-part series on paganism. Renaissance philosophers; green men; a pagan city in the early caliphate; hooded gods on Hadrian’s Wall; Stonehenge; cannibals (or were they?) in Cheddar Gorge; and the oldest evidence ever found of pagan practice in Britain.

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