Massive Stonehenge rock moved 450 miles thanks to human ingenuity: study
New York Post • • science
Key Points:
- New research from Curtin University reveals that the massive Altar Stone at Stonehenge was transported by Neolithic humans over hundreds of miles, rather than being moved solely by glacial action.
- Chemical analysis shows the stone originated from Scotland’s Orcadian Basin, about 450 miles from Stonehenge, challenging prior beliefs that it came from Wales.
- Ice sheet modeling indicated some glaciers moved southeast toward Dogger Bank, but this land was submerged 3,000 years before Stonehenge's construction, making glacial transport unlikely for the final leg.
- Researchers propose a combination of overland hauling and river or coastal transport by humans, likely carried out in stages over several years, reflecting careful planning and coordination.
- The findings suggest Neolithic builders were highly organized and motivated by a cultural or symbolic need for specific stone types, highlighting their sophisticated understanding of the landscape and engineering capabilities.