At the heart of the iconic Neolithic monument Stonehenge lies the Altar Stone, a substantial slab of sandstone that has puzzled historians and archaeologists for nearly 5,000 years. Recent research published in the journal Nature has uncovered that this monumental stone was transported from the Orcadian Basin in northeast Scotland, approximately 750 kilometers away from its current location in Salisbury Plain, southern England. This revelation not only solves the mystery of the stone's origin but also raises questions about the capabilities of its prehistoric builders.
The Altar Stone, estimated to weigh around six metric tons, has long been a subject of speculation regarding its source. While scientists previously believed it came from nearby Wales, extensive testing yielded no matches. This led a team of British and Australian researchers to expand their search, ultimately discovering the stone's true origin in Scotland. Anthony Clarke, a doctoral student at Curtin University and lead author of the study, expressed disbelief at the findings, stating, “We couldn’t believe it.”
The study's co-author, Richard Bevins from Aberystwyth University, noted that for over a century, scientists had assumed the stone's proximity to Wales. However, their tests consistently failed to identify any Welsh origin. This prompted the research team to explore new possibilities, leading to their groundbreaking conclusion. Robert Ixer, another co-author from University College London, described the results as “genuinely shocking,” highlighting the unprecedented distance the stone traveled for its time.
The Altar Stone's journey from Scotland not only indicates a remarkable feat of transportation but also suggests a highly organized society in the British Isles around 2,500 BC. The researchers emphasized that such a significant movement of stone implies a well-connected network among communities across the region. Nick Pearce, co-author and professor at Aberystwyth University, remarked on the implications of this discovery, stating that it showcases an astonishing level of coordination and social organization.
To determine the stone's origin, the research team employed advanced chemical analysis techniques, including laser beam tests on a thin slice of the Altar Stone. By examining the ratio of uranium to lead in the stone's crystals, they established its age and compared it with other rocks throughout the UK. Chris Kirkland, a co-author from Curtin University, confirmed that they could ascertain with high certainty that the stone came from the Orcadian Basin.
The findings also establish a direct connection between southern England and northern Scotland during the Neolithic period. Susan Greaney, an archaeologist at the University of Exeter who was not involved in the study, noted that the placement of the Altar Stone at the monument's center, aligned with the solstice axis, signifies its importance to the builders. This connection highlights the significance of the relationship between different regions of Britain during this time.
As researchers continue to investigate the logistics behind transporting such a massive stone, the study opens new avenues for understanding the social dynamics and engineering capabilities of ancient societies. The Altar Stone's journey not only enriches the narrative of Stonehenge but also sheds light on the interconnectedness of prehistoric communities across the British Isles.
