Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 11, 2024 10:35 am GMT
The search for the origin of Stonehenge’s enigmatic Altar Stone has taken a surprising turn, shifting focus from the well-trodden ground of Welsh sources to various locations in northeastern Scotland. Recent research has ruled out Orkney, previously an attractive candidate due to its rich Neolithic heritage, further complicating the quest for the origins of this ancient monolith.
Recent Developments in Stonehenge Research
Following a groundbreaking study published in August, which established that the Altar Stone did not come from Wales but rather from northeastern Scotland, new investigations have dismissed Orkney as its origin. The Altar Stone, a massive block weighing approximately 13,227 pounds (6 metric tons), is thought to have been transported over 435 miles (700 kilometers) to Wiltshire nearly 5,000 years ago.
The study, which was published on September 5 in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, involved a team of geologists conducting a detailed analysis of ancient stones at two significant sites on Mainland, Orkney’s largest island. Their goal was to inspect the chemical and mineralogical similarities with the Altar Stone, but the results showed no connection.
Significance of the Altar Stone
The Altar Stone is distinct within the Stonehenge complex, occupying a central position yet differing in geological characteristics from both the famed bluestones and sarsens. Unlike other bluestones that are primarily composed of fine-grained sandstone, the Altar Stone is made of grey-green sandstone, making it an anomaly in the structure.
Richard Bevins, lead author of the study and honorary professor at Aberystwyth University, emphasized the implications of ruling out Orkney: “This research is radically changing our thinking about the origins of the Altar Stone,” he stated. The failure to find a connection to Orkney suggests that the Altar Stone could originate from a broader area, including locations south to Inverness and eastward through Aberdeenshire.
Historical Context and Research Methodology
Construction of Stonehenge commenced as early as 3000 BC, evolving over several phases. The Altar Stone was positioned during the second construction phase, likely between 2620 BC and 2480 BC. Understanding the origins of the Altar Stone could provide critical insights into the Neolithic cultures across Britain. Previous studies indicated that other stones used at Stonehenge, including sarsens from the West Woods near Marlborough and some bluestones from the Preseli Hills in Wales, were identified, but the Altar Stone posed a unique challenge.
Fieldwork in Orkney
The research team employed portable X-ray machines to analyze the stones at the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, both ancient Neolithic sites in Orkney. Despite the intricate cultural links between these sites and Stonehenge, the expected chemical markers did not align, prompting further inquiry into other potential sources.
- The Stones of Stenness, one of the earliest monuments in the British Isles, consisted of a circle of stones encircling a central hearth.
- The Ring of Brodgar, a ceremonial circle, dates back to the same time period as Stonehenge and is integral to understanding the archaeological landscape of Orkney.
Implications for Future Research
With Orkney ruled out, researchers are now tasked with exploring the possibility that the Altar Stone originated from multiple sites within northeastern Scotland. This area could stretch from the Orkney and Shetland isles to parts of Caithness and Sutherland, ultimately including Aberdeenshire.
The conclusions of this research hold significant implications for understanding the technological capabilities and cultural interactions of Neolithic peoples in Britain. As Bevins stated, “Identifying the source of the Altar Stone could help researchers establish a deeper understanding of the Neolithic history of Britain and the people who built Stonehenge.”
Continuing Investigations
Ongoing investigations will utilize advanced techniques to help narrow down the potential locations for the Altar Stone’s origin. The collaboration among scientists, including many from the earlier studies, emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to untangling this historical mystery.
As research continues, the quest to unravel the origins of Stonehenge’s Altar Stone not only highlights the complexities of Neolithic construction practices but also sheds light on the sophisticated knowledge and cultural exchanges among ancient societies. The mystery lingers, but each new discovery brings researchers closer to understanding the past.
The journey to find out where the Altar Stone came from shows how archaeology is always changing. Sometimes, new discoveries can lead us to surprising places and help us learn more about our history.
