The mystery of Stonehenge's Altar Stone: A quest for origins. Imagine spending thousands of years trying to understand the secrets of an ancient monument. That's the reality for archaeologists studying Stonehenge, and their latest challenge? Uncovering the origin of its enigmatic Altar Stone.
Professor Richard Bevins, a seasoned geologist, experienced a 'Eureka moment' while examining stone samples from Stonehenge. He was asked to quickly identify the source of a rock believed to have originated from west Wales about 5,000 years ago. He realized that the rock type was unfamiliar to him, leading to a crucial discovery.
This led to the excavation of a Neolithic quarry named Craig Rhos-y-Felin, where the exact source of the stone samples was found, a perfect match! This discovery in 2011 was a breakthrough, marking the first time a definitive source was found for any of the monument's stones, reigniting the debate on how these stones were transported from Pembrokeshire to Wiltshire.
Now, 14 years later, Professor Bevins is on the hunt for the Altar Stone's origin. Last year, he and his team determined that the six-tonne megalith wasn't from Pembrokeshire. They then ventured to the Orkney archipelago, where they hypothesized the stone came from sandstone deposits in the Orcadian Basin, which includes the isles of Orkney and Shetland, along with a coastal strip on the north-east Scottish mainland. However, after detailed study, they found no match.
Professor Bevins is now focusing on a mapped area spanning 125 miles by 93 miles, determined to pinpoint the exact quarry location before the stone was transported over 500 miles to the West Country. Finding the source would be a monumental achievement, opening doors for archaeologists to trace the people behind Stonehenge's construction, providing insights into their society, tools, and daily lives.
But here's where it gets controversial... The discovery could also strengthen theories about how the huge stones were moved, particularly the idea that they were transported by sea due to the hilly Scottish landscape. It could also support research suggesting that Stonehenge's construction was an act of unification across the UK.
Professor Bevins and his team need to narrow down their search within the huge region. They are working to secure funding for their project.
And this is the part most people miss... The public's fascination with Stonehenge, with a record 1.4 million visitors in 2024, fuels the demand for information. Professor Bevins emphasizes the global interest in their findings.
What do you think? Do you believe the Altar Stone's origins will reveal more about the people who built Stonehenge? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
