A recent study published in the journal Nature revealed that the “altar stone” at Stonehenge likely originated in present-day Scotland, over 450 miles away from its final location in southern England. Researchers speculate that Neolithic people more than 4,500 years ago transported the 6-ton rock using boats, as lightweight wheels had not yet been invented. The discovery raises questions about how ancient humans were able to execute such complex projects using simple tools.
The study analyzed the age of mineral grains within the sandstone rock to determine its origin. The researchers were able to associate the age spectra with a specific area in northeast Scotland known as the Orcadian basin, where the Orkney islands are located. The altar stone is unique among the stones at Stonehenge and shows evidence of shaping by human tools.
The study suggests that the altar stone was likely transported by boat, as other methods such as glacial ice movement or overland transport were deemed impractical. The finding underscores the interconnectedness of Neolithic societies in the British Isles and the ability of ancient humans to undertake significant projects.
Despite the discovery, the exact reason why the stone was transported remains unclear. Stonehenge is one of about 1,300 ancient stone circles, and researchers believe that it was used for ceremonies or rituals aligned with the movements of the sun. The significance of the altar stone and its implications for Neolithic society continue to be a subject of speculation and research.
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