Stonehenge, the renowned stone circle located in southern England, has intrigued researchers for centuries due to its enigmatic origins and purpose. Recent findings, detailed in the journal Nature, have uncovered that a significant flat stone at the monument’s center, referred to as the “altar stone,” originated from northeast Scotland. This stone, measuring 16 feet (5 meters) in length, was transported over 460 miles (740 kilometers) to its current location. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that the stone came from closer regions, such as Wales. The new evidence indicates that the stone’s geological makeup is inconsistent with Welsh sandstone, leading to this revised understanding of its origins.

To determine the source of the altar stone, the research team analyzed mineral samples from rocks collected during earlier excavations, some of which date back to the 1840s. They found that the sandstone’s mineral composition matches rocks from the Orcadian Basin in northeast Scotland, including parts of the Scottish peninsula and the Orkney Islands. This unique geological “fingerprint” is not found in any other sedimentary region in the UK. The significant distance the stone traveled suggests advanced logistical capabilities and strong cultural connections between ancient communities from distant regions. Stonehenge, constructed approximately 5,000 years ago, was used for ceremonial purposes, not daily living. The complex transportation of the stone highlights the sophisticated organization of its builders and their extensive network of interactions. The exact role and significance of the altar stone within the monument remain subjects of ongoing investigation.