New studies have unveiled that the famous six-ton Altar Stone at Stonehenge, which was previously thought to come from Wales, actually originates from Scotland.
Recent research spearheaded by Curtin University has uncovered that Stonehenge’s massive six-tonne Altar Stone, once believed to be Welsh, really comes from Scotland.
Additionally, these results suggest that the methods of transport and social organization during the time the stone was brought to southern England around 5000 years ago were more sophisticated than previously thought.
Researchers at Curtin examined the age and chemical properties of the mineral grains found in pieces of the Altar Stone, which is a sandstone block, 50 cm thick and measuring 5 by 1 meters, located at the core of Stonehenge’s well-known stone circle in Wiltshire.
PhD student Anthony Clarke, the lead author from Curtin’s Timescales of Mineral Systems Group within the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, noted that tests on the age and mineral makeup of the Altar Stone matched it to rocks from northeast Scotland, clearly distinguishing them from Welsh rocks.
“Our research discovered that the majority of mineral grains in the Altar Stone are between 1000 to 2000 million years old, with others being around 450 million years old,” Mr. Clarke explained.
“This provides a unique chemical signature indicating that the stone is from the Orcadian Basin in Scotland, located at least 750 kilometers away from Stonehenge.
“Given that it originates in Scotland, this raises intriguing questions about how such a large stone was transported over such long distances around 2600 BC, considering the technological limitations of that time.”
“This discovery is also personally significant to me. I grew up in Mynydd Preseli, Wales, where some of the stones at Stonehenge come from. I visited Stonehenge for the first time at just one year old, and now at 25, I’ve come back from Australia to contribute to this scientific finding—it’s a full-circle moment for me at this stone circle.”
Professor Chris Kirkland, a co-author and member of the Timescales of Mineral Systems Group at Curtin, stated that the research has important implications for our understanding of ancient societies and their methods of transportation.
“Our identification of the Altar Stone’s origins showcases a notable level of social organization during the Neolithic period and provides a captivating view of prehistoric Britain,” Professor Kirkland said.
“Moving such a hefty piece across land from Scotland to southern England would have posed significant challenges, suggesting the use of a possible sea route along the British coast.
“This indicates that long-distance trade networks existed and that there was a higher degree of societal organization during the Neolithic era in Britain than many previously believed.”
This research was supported by an Australian Research Council Discovery Project and conducted in collaboration with Aberystwyth University, The University of Adelaide, and University College London.
Co-author Professor Richard Bevins from Aberystwyth University remarked that these findings have reversed a long-standing belief held for the last century.
“We’ve managed to determine the age and specific chemical signatures of what might be one of the most famous stones in this world-renowned ancient monument,” Professor Bevins said.
“Now we can confirm that this famous rock is indeed Scottish and not Welsh, but the search continues to pinpoint the precise location in northeast Scotland from which the Altar Stone originated.”
Co-author Dr. Robert Ixer of UCL Institute of Archaeology mentioned that the findings were astonishing, but if geological and atomic theories hold true, then the Altar Stone must be Scottish.
“This raises two key questions: why and how was the Altar Stone moved from the far north of Scotland, over 700 kilometers, to reach Stonehenge?”
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne highlighted that much of the analysis conducted by Mr. Clarke and Professor Kirkland took place at the University’s John de Laeter Centre.
“This intriguing research is another example of the excellent work carried out by Curtin University’s Timescales of Mineral Systems Group at the John de Laeter Centre, which utilizes cutting-edge tools in our GeoHistory Facility supporting vital minerals research,” Professor Hayne stated.
“This facility offers specialized mass spectrometers used to analyze the makeup of various materials, including minerals, archaeological artifacts, meteorites, ceramics, and even biological materials like teeth, bones, and shells.
“Continued investment in these advanced facilities is essential for attracting top talent. In this instance, we are thrilled that our esteemed research reputation and facilities compelled PhD student Anthony Clarke to travel 15,000 kilometers from his home in Wales to study at Curtin and make this notable discovery.”
Mr. Clarke expressed that he chose Curtin for his PhD because it provided him the opportunity to collaborate with distinguished researchers like Professor Kirkland.
“Curtin grants us the autonomy to explore fascinating topics, like Stonehenge, and the access to world-class equipment and expertise allows me to accomplish all my research here,” Mr. Clarke mentioned.
“Western Australia, being home to the oldest minerals on Earth, serves as an exceptional natural laboratory. I am truly grateful for the chance to conduct this research at such a remarkable location.”