Stonehenge’s altar stone was brought all the way from Scotland
New ScientistAug 19
Study: Stonehenge Altar Stone Came From Scotland, Not Wales
Image copyright: Finnbarr Webster/Stinger/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
A new study published in the journal Nature has found that the Altar Stone at England's historic Stonehenge site came from the "Orcadian Basin in north-east Scotland" about 800km (497 miles) away. This opposes the century-old theory that it came from Wales.
The new theory was made after scientists discovered the altar was made of Old Red Sandstone. This is the last time the stone fragments can be touched given that Stone Henge is a World Heritage Site.
The Spin
Narrative A
Through remarkable chemical analysis, these researchers have blown to bits a theory that was held for a hundred years. This also proves that the Altar Stone — one of the most famous rocks in the world — was carried even further than previously thought. With this debate settled, the next step is to pinpoint exactly where it came from in Northern Scotland.
Narrative B
While it appears this Altar Stone mystery has been solved, the origins of other Stonehenge rocks, and whether they were brought by humans, is still up for debate. Strong evidence has been provided to argue on behalf of human transport, but rocks from glaciers have also been identified. Humans and Mother Nature may have worked together to build this historical landmark.