New Study Reveals Stonehenge's Altar Stone Originates from Scotland, Not Wales
A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature has challenged long-held beliefs about the origins of the Altar Stone, one of the largest megaliths at Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric monument in southern England. Researchers now confirm that this significant stone originates from northern Scotland, rather than the previously assumed southwestern Wales. This revelation, which distances the Altar Stone from its original location by approximately 750 kilometers, suggests that Neolithic British society operated with a level of complexity and sophistication far beyond earlier assumptions.
Stonehenge primarily comprises two types of stones: the sarsens, which are massive sandstone blocks making up the most prominent part of the structure, sourced from West Woods Marlborough about 25 kilometers north of Stonehenge. In addition, there are the renowned blue stones, smaller rocks named for their distinct gray-blue color, that create an inner horseshoe shape and an outer circle around the iconic structure.
The recently examined Altar Stone, weighing six tons, is the largest of the blue stones and is positioned at the heart of Stonehenge. Earlier research indicated that the blue stones were sourced from the hills of western Wales; however, the specific origins of the Altar Stone have been a subject of contention for about twenty years. A group from the University of Aberystwyth concluded last year that the Altar Stone could not originate from Wales, but its proper source remained a mystery, until now. One researcher expressed their astonishment, stating, "We were speechless when we discovered that it came from northeast Scotland."
The study, spearheaded by Welsh geologist Anthony Clarke from Curtin University in Australia, utilized a multidisciplinary team of geologists, archaeologists, and chemists. They painstakingly analyzed fragments of the Altar Stone to determine both its composition and provenance. By correlating the data collected with sedimentary deposits from various regions, a match was found with rock formations in the far northeast of Scotland.
This discovery implies that the Neolithic populations were not as isolated as previously believed; instead, they likely had a network of contacts and trade extending over vast distances. With its Scottish roots, this finding prompts intriguing inquiries into how teams from the Neolithic era managed to transport such an immense stone over long distances around 2600 BC. Clarke highlighted the logistical challenges involved, asserting that transporting such a heavy load overland from Scotland to southern England would have been a significant undertaking. This leads to speculation about the potential use of maritime shipping routes along the British coast, indicating long-distance trade networks and a higher level of social organization than previously imagined.
While Stonehenge likely formed part of a more extensive complex, the reasons behind its construction and its usage over the centuries remain shrouded in mystery. Despite decades of archaeological excavations and research, the purpose of this monumental site continues to elude definitive understanding. As additional evidence mounts, some researchers have even suggested that Stonehenge may have originally been located elsewhere.
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