Scientists 'shocked' at new Stonehenge discovery | BBC News

Summary

New analysis reveals that the central Altar Stone of Stonehenge, previously believed to be from Southwest Wales, actually originates from Northeastern Scotland. This discovery highlights the extensive collaboration in the monument's construction, suggesting a more interconnected and advanced Neolithic society in Britain than previously thought. The mystery of how and why the 6-ton stone was transported such a distance adds to the intrigue of this ancient site.

Takeaways

• 🗺️ The central alter stone at Stonehenge, previously thought to be from Southwest Wales, is now believed to have originated from Northeastern Scotland.
• 🏺 Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in Southwest England, has long been a subject of mystery regarding its construction and purpose.
• 🔍 The discovery was made by a young Welshman, who has a personal connection to the site, having visited as a child in 1992.
• 🏰 The alter stone is one of the largest at Stonehenge, weighing around six tons, and its origin has implications for understanding the monument's history.
• 🧑‍🔬 Anthony, the scientist who analyzed the rock, found a unique date and composition that could only be from the far north of Scotland.
• 📰 The findings were published in the journal Nature, adding credibility and scientific backing to the new theory.
• 🛠️ The transportation of such a large stone from Northeast Scotland to Stonehenge suggests advanced technical capabilities of the Neolithic people.
• 🤝 The collaborative effort in building Stonehenge implies significant social cohesion and connections between different regions of Britain at the time.
• 🏙️ The new discovery challenges previous assumptions about the extent of social and technological interconnectivity in Neolithic Britain.
• 🏗️ The story of Stonehenge is now one of a collective effort across Great Britain, highlighting the advanced and interconnected nature of Neolithic society.
• 🌐 The findings have reshaped the narrative of Stonehenge, emphasizing the monument as a symbol of unity and sophistication in ancient Britain.

Q & A

What is the significance of the discovery regarding the origin of the central alter stone at Stonehenge?

The discovery reveals that the central alter stone originated from Northeastern Scotland instead of Southwest Wales, indicating that the construction of Stonehenge was a greater collaborative effort than previously believed.

What does the script suggest about the transportation of the central alter stone?

The script suggests that the people who built Stonehenge were technically advanced, capable of transporting the 6-ton stone from Northeast Scotland, possibly by boat and sledges.

Who made the discovery about the origin of the central alter stone, and how does he relate to the site?

A young Welshman, who was brought to the site as a one-year-old in 1992, made the discovery. He has a personal connection to the site and remembers the experience vividly.

How did Anthony, the Welshman, contribute to the understanding of Stonehenge?

Anthony analyzed the rock and found it had a unique date and composition, which could only have come from the far north of Scotland, specifically the Orcadian Basin.

What is the reaction of the Welshman to the implication that the Welsh status has been taken away from the stone?

He humorously acknowledges that it might be a loss for Wales and jokes that they might not talk to him again, but also recognizes the significant contribution Wales has made to the monument.

What does the script imply about the social connections and sophistication of Neolithic society in Britain?

The script implies that Neolithic society in Britain had great social connections and sophistication, as evidenced by the ability to transport large stones and the level of collaboration required to build Stonehenge.

What is the new narrative of Stonehenge's construction according to the script?

The new narrative suggests that people across Great Britain were more interconnected and advanced than previously thought, coming together to build the incredible monument of Stonehenge.

What was the previous belief about the origin of the central alter stone at Stonehenge?

The previous belief was that the central alter stone came from Southwest Wales, not Northeastern Scotland.

What does the script suggest about the technical capabilities of the people who built Stonehenge?

The script suggests that the people who built Stonehenge were technically advanced, capable of complex engineering feats such as transporting massive stones over long distances.

How does the script describe the importance of the central alter stone in the context of Stonehenge?

The script describes the central alter stone as the heart of Stonehenge, one of the largest stones at around 6 tons, and a key element in understanding the monument's construction and the people who built it.

What does the discovery suggest about the level of social cohesion among different groups in Britain during the Neolithic period?

The discovery suggests that there must have been significant social cohesion among the Scots, Welsh, and English during the Neolithic period, as they all worked together to build Stonehenge.