Neolithic people on the Danish island of Bornholm buried hundreds of intricately decorated stones as offerings, possibly to ward off a climate crisis. Discovered in significant numbers, archaeologists unearthed 614 stone plaques and fragments adorned with plant and sun imagery. The deposit of these stones coincided with transformative changes on the island, marking the onset of a new cultural era. Researchers believe the burial may be linked to a volcanic eruption in 2910 B.C. that had far-reaching impacts on the Northern Hemisphere’s climate and agriculture.
The substantial deposit of sun stones on Bornholm offers intriguing insights into the island's prehistoric past. After burying the stones, the Neolithic inhabitants transitioned to building more fortified settlements, suggesting an adaptation to changing environmental conditions. The researchers connected this shift to the volcanic eruption, which likely disrupted weather patterns and harvests. This natural event catalyzed social and architectural changes, leading to the cessation of massive tomb constructions in favor of fortified sites and new social networks with other Scandinavian regions.
Rune Iversen, an archaeologist at the University of Copenhagen, led the study published in the journal Antiquity on January 16. He, alongside co-author Lasse Vilien Sørensen from the National Museum of Denmark, analyzed the context and significance of this archaeological find. They speculated that the stones were sacrificial offerings aimed at ensuring favorable conditions for growth and sunlight.
"These stones 'were probably sacrificed to ensure sun and growth.'"
> – Rune Iversen, an archaeologist at the University of Copenhagen
The researchers also considered alternative interpretations for the stone depositions. They proposed that the offerings might have been made during a period of climatic stress to restore agricultural productivity. Alternatively, the depositions could signify a celebratory act marking the end of the climate crisis and the return of favorable conditions.
"These depositions could have been made during a time of stress with the purpose of bringing back the sun and re-establishing agricultural production,"
- The researchers
"They could also have been made when the climate crisis was over, as an act of celebration for the return of the sun."
- The researchers
Kristina Killgrove from Live Science highlighted the significance of this discovery in her coverage. She emphasized how the sun stones and their associated cultural shifts contribute valuable knowledge to archaeological studies, offering a glimpse into how ancient societies responded to environmental challenges.
The findings suggest a profound relationship between natural events and human adaptation in prehistoric times. The Neolithic people on Bornholm demonstrated resilience by altering their societal structures and forming new alliances to cope with adverse conditions. This discovery underscores the importance of archaeological research in understanding historical human-environment interactions.
