The Altar Stone Source - the essential points

The research paper provides key evidence indicating that the Stonehenge Altar Stone likely originated from a Laurentian rock source. Here's a breakdown of the significant points:

Mineral Composition and Age

The researchers analyzed three types of mineral grains found in the Altar Stone fragments:

1. Detrital zircon: Largely composed of Mesoproterozoic and Archaean sources (very old, ranging from about 1 to 3.5 billion years) [1][3].

2. Rutile and apatite: Dominated by a mid-Ordovician source (approximately 460 million years old) [1][3].

Laurentian Origin

The ages of these grains strongly suggest derivation from a Laurentian crystalline source region [1][3]. Laurentia refers to the ancient continental craton that formed the core of North America and Greenland[2]. This is significant because:

- The presence of very old zircon grains (Mesoproterozoic and Archaean) matches igneous events in Laurentia [2].

- These events did not occur in other terranes like Gondwana, Ganderia, Meguma, or East Avalonia, which now form most of England and Wales[2].

Grampian Overprint

The mid-Ordovician ages (around 460 million years ago) of the rutile and apatite grains indicate that the Laurentian source region was overprinted by Grampian magmatism [1][3]. This refers to a phase of the Caledonian orogeny, a major mountain-building event that affected what is now Scotland.

Similarity to Orcadian Basin

Detrital age comparisons with sedimentary rocks throughout Britain and Ireland revealed a remarkable similarity between the Altar Stone and the Old Red Sandstone of the Orcadian Basin in northeast Scotland [1][3]. This basin includes parts of northeastern Scotland, Orkney, and Shetland [2].

This evidence collectively points to a Scottish origin for the Altar Stone, specifically from an area north of the Iapetus Suture, where rocks with Laurentian characteristics are found [2]. 

But not Orkney 

However, a follow-up study published in September 2024 in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports specifically examined megaliths from Orkney and concluded that the Altar Stone was not sourced from Mainland Orkney. This research used portable X-rays to analyze stones at the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, comparing their composition to that of the Altar Stone [4].

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Citations:

[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07652-1

[2] https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=2146415628

[3] https://research.aber.ac.uk/en/publications/a-scottish-provenance-for-the-altar-stone-of-stonehenge

[4] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2024.104738

Unearthing Britain's Darkest Chapter: The Early Bronze Age Massacre at Charterhouse Warren

A recent study has shed light on one of prehistoric Britain’s most gruesome episodes: the massacre of at least 37 individuals at Charterhouse Warren, Somerset, around 4,000 years ago. This discovery, led by Professor Rick Schulting of the University of Oxford, challenges the notion of the Early Bronze Age as a peaceful era and reveals a chilling narrative of violence and dehumanization.

The Discovery

The remains—over 3,000 bone fragments—were first unearthed in the 1970s but largely overlooked until now. Found in a 15-meter-deep natural shaft, these bones belonged to men, women, and children, with nearly half being adolescents. The evidence indicates that the victims were killed, dismembered, and possibly cannibalized before their remains were discarded.

Gruesome Evidence

Analysis revealed cut marks, shattered skulls, and signs of defleshing and marrow extraction. Some bones even bore human bite marks. Researchers believe this brutality was not driven by survival needs but as an act of ritualistic "othering" or vengeance. The attackers likely sought to dehumanize their victims and send a powerful message to others.

Significance

This massacre represents the largest known act of interpersonal violence in Early Bronze Age Britain. It starkly contrasts with the era’s typical archaeological focus on trade, farming, and burial practices. The findings highlight how prehistoric communities were capable of extreme violence akin to modern atrocities

Schulting RJ, Fernández-Crespo T, Ordoño J, et al. ‘The darker angels of our nature’: Early Bronze Age butchered human remains from Charterhouse Warren, Somerset, UK. Antiquity. Published online 2024:1-17. doi:10.15184/aqy.2024.180

How did prehistoric people respond to natural disasters? - Rune Iversen et al

NEW How did prehistoric people respond to natural disasters? New research suggests a volcanic eruption that blocked out the sun caused people in Neolithic Denmark to ritually sacrifice 'sun stones' to ensure a good harvest.

Strap in for a volcanic #AntiquityThread 1/14 🧵 pic.twitter.com/fZ7V0FxwAr

— 🅰ntiquity Journal (@AntiquityJ) January 16, 2025

Click to visit thread on X, the artist formerly known as Twitter.

For the whole thread, off X, see https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1879827188263887239.html

For the paper discussed see; Iversen, R. et al. (2025) ‘Sun stones and the darkened sun: Neolithic miniature art from the island of Bornholm, Denmark’, Antiquity, pp. 1–17. doi:10.15184/aqy.2024.217.

I think the paper is excellent, climate chaos causing resources being wasted in pointless attempts to assuage the weather gods seems all too likely. At other times and places in prehistory rapid changes in the climate are probably linked to activities such as monument building.

There are the obvious quibbles with the premise which the authors address such as why just on one small island and where was this unrecorded volcanic eruption.

My first reaction is that the disc illustrated looks more like an annual calendar or similar, than a sun disc, with periods being marked out with radial lines and then maybe individual days or events marked out with cross lines. But that is just my opinion based on minutes of superficial study.

 

Norfolk Sarsens

Mamillated sarsen found on Sidestrand beach in November 2010.

West Runton beach September 2016 It is in the museum at Seaview beach café

Longwater gravel pit, Horstead

Out on the wave cut platform again towards Sheringham.

Silica cemented sand and gravels. Layered and swirled Pudding Stone at West Runton towards Sheringham

Click any to enlarge, all of these photographs are Copyright Russell Yeomans 2025.

Many thanks to Russell for providing them.

'How did ancient people move large stones?' - Dr Hugh Thomas

Archaeologists are constantly asked is 'How did ancient people move large stones?'. The thought of people moving 2/20/200 tonne stones thousands of years ago just seems impossible. But what if I told you we have a lot of photos/video of people moving huge stones today? 🧵1/ pic.twitter.com/tjNg1LHxEw

— Dr Hugh Thomas (@hughs_news) January 8, 2025

Click to visit thread on X, née Twitter.

For the whole thread, off X, see https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1876792234625957994.html

The Tectonic Movement of Stonehenge

This week there are press releases about the Southern Levantine 5000 year old megalithic structure Rujm el-Hiri's astronomical purpose being questioned.

The new research claims "Geomagnetic analysis shows that since the entire region has rotated over time, the Rujm el-Hiri’s location shifted from its original position for tens of meters for the thousands of years of the object’s existence, challenging theories of the alignment of its walls with astronomical bodies and raising questions regarding its possible identification as an observatory."

Stonehenge doesn't have the same problem.

The Eurasian plate has been rotating clockwise primarily in a north-easterly direction over the past several thousand years at a rate of approximately 25 millimeters per year. Given this rate of movement, over the last 5,000 years the Eurasian plate has moved approximately 125 meters northward .This shift represents about one-thousandth of a degree of latitude, which is insignificant.

https://www.newscientist.com/lastword/mg24632801-400-mysterious-alignment-how-do-ancient-monoliths-still-line-up-with-the-sun/ 

https://geoscience.blog/where-is-the-eurasian-plate-moving/

https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/publications/the-tectonic-pattern-of-britain-and-ireland

Ritual Stones in Scottish Universities

The tradition of "black stone examination" in Scottish universities is a fascinating aspect of academic history, with roots dating back to at least the 16th century. Here's a summary of the references and information about this practice (produced by Perplexity AI agent):

## Origins and Prevalence

The black stone examination was once a common practice among the five ancient Scottish universities. The earliest known reference to this tradition dates back to 1531 at the University of St Andrews[1]. By 1647, the University Commissioners referred to the examination on the "Black-staine" as a practice common to all Scottish universities[1].

## Specific University References

### University of St Andrews

- An "examen quod appellant nigri lapidis" (examination which they call of the black stone) is mentioned in a 1580 regulation[1].

- The reputed black stone of St Andrews University, now in Parliament Hall, appears to be the base of a column[1].

### University of Glasgow

- In 1659, a regulation mentioned that library fees should be paid before a graduand could proceed to "laureation" (graduation) on the black stone[1].

- The University of Glasgow's Blackstone Chair, created in the mid-1770s, incorporated this tradition into a more elaborate piece of furniture[1].

### University of Edinburgh and Marischal College, Aberdeen

- Both institutions once held black stone examinations, although no trace of the stones used survives[1].

### King's College, Aberdeen

- According to one account, the black marble tombstone of the founder, Bishop Elphinstone, was used at graduation[1].

## Nature of the Examination

The black stone examination was typically an oral examination conducted in Latin or Greek. At the University of Glasgow, for example:

- Students sat on the black stone (later, in the Blackstone Chair) while professors tested their knowledge of chosen books[1].

- An hourglass was used to time the examination[1].

- The examination was part of the process for "promotion" to the next stage in the degree structure[1].

## Evolution and Discontinuation

The practice of black stone examination evolved over time:

- At Glasgow, the tradition was incorporated into the elaborate Blackstone Chair in the 1770s[1].

- The Universities Act of 1858 led to the introduction of written examinations, largely ending the practice of oral examinations on the black stone[1].

## Significance

The black stone examination was more than just an academic test; it was a ritual element that added solemnity and tradition to the examination process. Its widespread use across Scottish universities highlights a shared academic culture and tradition unique to Scotland's educational institutions.

Citations:

[1] https://regionalfurnituresociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/the-blackstone-chair-stephen-jackson.pdf

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_stane

[3] https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/blackstone-chair-glasgow-scotland

[4] https://museumoftheuniversityofstandrews.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/st-andrews-and-the-blackstone/

[5] https://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/1zz8mu7wSai1ARME0WuMSw

[6] https://collections.st-andrews.ac.uk/collection/furniture/1004089

[7] https://collections.st-andrews.ac.uk/item/black-stone/1000995

[8] https://citydays.com/places/blackstone-chair/

[9] https://electricscotland.com/education/edu18.htm

[10] https://special-collections.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/2017/12/11/the-exam-season-is-upon-us/

[11] https://www.theglasgowstory.com/image/?inum=TGSD00557