Stonehenge Altar Stone came from Scotland not Wales
Recent research confirms that the Altar Stone at Stonehenge originated from Scotland, highlighting Neolithic Britain's interconnectedness and raising questions about the logistics of transporting the six-tonne stone over 700 kilometers.
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Recent research has revealed that the Altar Stone at Stonehenge originated from the far north of Scotland, rather than the previously believed source in south-west Wales. This finding, published in the journal Nature, indicates that the construction of Stonehenge involved a broader collaborative effort across Great Britain, suggesting that Neolithic society was more interconnected and advanced than previously thought. The Altar Stone, weighing six tonnes, is approximately 700 kilometers (434 miles) from its new identified source in the Orcadian Basin, which includes regions like Caithness and Orkney. The research team, led by Welsh PhD student Anthony Clarke, utilized a global rock fingerprint database to analyze fragments of the stone, confirming its unique chemical composition. This discovery raises questions about how such a large stone was transported over such a distance and the motivations behind its movement. Experts believe that the transportation of the Altar Stone reflects significant social connections and organizational capabilities of Neolithic communities. The findings will likely influence future archaeological studies regarding the transport systems and societal structures of ancient Britain.
- The Altar Stone at Stonehenge is now confirmed to have come from Scotland, not Wales.
- The discovery highlights the interconnectedness of Neolithic Britain.
- The stone's transportation over 700 kilometers poses questions about ancient logistics.
- The research was led by a Welsh PhD student and published in a leading scientific journal.
- The findings suggest a sophisticated society with strong social connections during the Neolithic period.
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