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Stonehenge Altar Stone May Origin from Northern England
Scientists now believe Stonehenge's Altar Stone came from northern England, not Scotland or Wales, after detailed geological analysis.
In brief
Scientists now believe Stonehenge's Altar Stone came from northern England, not Scotland or Wales, after detailed geological analysis. New research suggests Stonehenge's central Altar Stone originated in northern England, not Scotland or Wales, based on mineral and isotopic analysis. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Stonehenge Mystery Deepens
Scientists say Stonehenge's Altar Stone may come from northern England, not Scotland or Wales as previously thought.
Altar Stone Origin Debate
For years, researchers have tried to determine where the huge six-ton sandstone slab originated before being transported to Salisbury Plain thousands of years ago.
Previous Theories
For much of the last century, experts believed the Altar Stone came from west Wales, but recent studies point to north-east Scotland.
New Research Focus
Lead author Professor Duncan Pirrie says the search is focusing on rocks from the 'Old Red Sandstone' in the Midland Valley of Scotland, Southern Scotland, and northern England.
Altar Stone Characteristics
The Altar Stone is a distinctive 16ft (4.9m) sandstone slab with white mineral bands and ripple-like patterns formed millions of years ago.
Geological Analysis
Researchers conducted the most detailed geological analysis of the Altar Stone, examining its structure, minerals, chemistry, and isotopic composition.
Ruling Out Wales
Professor Pirrie explained that the research has suggested they can rule out Wales as the source of the Altar Stone.
Remaining Possibilities
Scientists still need to check some areas in the far north-east of Scotland, but they are focusing on southern Scotland and northern England.
Neolithic Engineering
Identifying the source could reveal new details about the Neolithic people's engineering and organizational abilities.
Transportation Challenges
Moving a six-tonne stone significant distances is a testament to Neolithic people's engineering and organizational ability.
Professor Bevins' View
Professor Richard Bevins says the latest work has significantly narrowed the search area for the Altar Stone's origin.
Professor Pearce's View
Professor Nick Pearce emphasized that eliminating possible source regions is as important as discovering new ones.
Stonehenge Construction
Stonehenge was built in four stages over 5,000 years, with the final stage completed around 1500 BC.
Bluestones Transport
The bluestones were transported 140 miles (225km) from the Preseli Hills in south-west Wales to Stonehenge.
Sarsen Stones Transport
The sarsen stones were likely brought from the Marlborough Downs, 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Stonehenge.
What Happens Next
Scientists hope to identify the Altar Stone's true origin soon, which could reveal more about Neolithic engineering capabilities.
The key point
New research suggests Stonehenge's central Altar Stone originated in northern England, not Scotland or Wales, based on mineral and isotopic analysis.
