Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last yr.

Ancient Volcanic Eruption Linked to Neolithic Sun Stone Rituals

Researchers uncover evidence that Neolithic farmers on Bornholm buried engraved stones as part of rituals tied to a climate disaster caused by a volcanic eruption around 2900 BCE.

Image
Archaeologists named the objects sun stones because many of the stone discs were etched with branching rays emanating from central circles — a recognizable image of the sun.
"Sun stones" were named for sunlike designs carved on discs found on the Danish island of Bornholm. The sun is the most common motif, but the discs feature other designs such as rows of crops.

Overview

  • Over 600 engraved stone plaques, known as 'sun stones,' were discovered at the Vasagård West site on Bornholm, Denmark, dating back to around 2900 BCE.
  • Scientists linked the ritual burial of these stones to a massive volcanic eruption that blocked sunlight and caused severe climate disruptions in Northern Europe.
  • The engraved stones, featuring sun and plant motifs, are believed to have been fertility offerings to ensure crop growth or celebrate the sun's return after prolonged darkness.
  • The volcanic eruption coincided with other crises, including widespread plague and the decline of the Funnel Beaker culture, marking a period of significant cultural and population change in Northern Europe.
  • The findings highlight the early development of sun-worship rituals in Scandinavia, with parallels to later practices during similar climate disasters.