Stonehenge, the ancient stone circle on Salisbury Plain in southern England, has puzzled and fascinated people for centuries. From medieval tales of wizards like Merlin magically transporting the stones from Ireland to theories involving the Romans, Vikings, and Druids, the origins of this iconic monument have long been shrouded in mystery. Recent research, however, sheds new light on one of Stonehenge’s most enigmatic features—the Altar Stone.
This large, flat stone, partially buried at the center of the monument, has always stood out among the other stones. A recent study suggests that it might have traveled an extraordinary distance—over 800 kilometers—from the far north of Scotland to its final resting place in England. This discovery adds a new chapter to the story of Stonehenge, highlighting the impressive capabilities of the Neolithic people who built it.
The Altar Stone is unique among Stonehenge’s stones. Most of the massive upright stones, known as sarsens, were sourced from the nearby Marlborough Downs, just 25 kilometers away. The smaller bluestones, which form a circle within the larger sarsen structure, were transported from the Mynydd Preseli mountains in Wales, about 240 kilometers from Stonehenge. The altar stone, however, is made of sandstone, a material not found in either of these locations.
Using advanced geochemical analysis, scientists have traced the origin of the Altar Stone to the Old Red Sandstone formations in the Orcadian Basin, located in the northeast of Scotland and the Orkney Islands. This is a remarkable finding, as it suggests that Neolithic people transported this six-tonne stone over a vast distance, likely by sea.
The idea of moving such a massive stone by land seems nearly impossible, given the rugged terrain between Scotland and southern England. A sea voyage, although risky, seems more plausible. Archaeologists believe that Neolithic people had the skills and technology to undertake such a journey, even though evidence of their boats has yet to be found. They were already transporting livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats across the sea, so moving a stone, although challenging, might have been within their capabilities.
The transport of the Altar Stone would have been a significant event, likely attracting attention and participation from communities along the way. The stone’s journey adds to our understanding of the connections between different regions of Britain during the Neolithic period. It also suggests that the builders of Stonehenge were not just skilled in construction but also had a deep understanding of the land and its resources.
While the study has provided valuable insights, the exact location in Scotland where the Altar Stone was quarried remains unknown. Researchers are continuing their work, hoping to uncover more about this fascinating stone and the people who moved it.
This discovery is just the latest in a long line of revelations about Stonehenge, and it’s unlikely to be the last. As scientists continue to study this ancient site, they are sure to uncover even more surprises, adding to the rich tapestry of stories that make Stonehenge one of the most intriguing monuments in the world.
