Stonehenge Altar Stone Origin Revealed as Scotland

Recent research has revealed that the Altar Stone of Stonehenge, a six-ton slab at the monument's center, originated from the Orcadian Basin in northeast Scotland, approximately 750 kilometers away, challenging previous beliefs that it came from Wales. This groundbreaking finding, published in the journal Nature, indicates a high level of societal organization among Neolithic people, who transported the stone over rugged terrain without the use of wheels. Scientists utilized chemical analysis to trace the stone's unique mineral composition, which revealed its Scottish origin. The study raises questions about the methods of transportation used, suggesting that the stone could have been moved by sea rather than overland. The discovery underscores the complex interactions and capabilities of prehistoric populations in Britain, prompting further investigations into the stone's exact origins. The Altar Stone's journey marks the longest recorded transport of any stone for its time, highlighting the sophistication of Neolithic societies.