Join CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter for updates on incredible discoveries and scientific progress in the universe. An intriguing study reveals the uncovering of hundreds of unique discs in Denmark shedding light on how a Stone Age community coped with a catastrophic volcanic eruption nearly 5,000 years ago. Initially found in 1995 at the Rispebjerg site on Bornholm, these small, carved stone artifacts, dubbed “sun stones” for their sun-related motifs, have since been discovered in greater numbers at the Vasagård site. The recent research correlates the burial of these sun stones around 2900 BC to a significant climate cooling period following a volcanic eruption of substantial magnitude, akin to historical events like the Okmok volcano eruption in 43 BC. This cooling event likely led to widespread agricultural failures, famine, and societal upheaval in Neolithic Denmark. The emergence of sun stones during this tumultuous period represents a unique and meaningful response to the ecological disaster faced by the ancient community.
A recent study revealed that ancient burials may have been a response to climate disruption. The actions of the individuals involved could have served as a ritual to bring back the weakened sun or a celebration of its return, according to scientists. The sun stones found at the sites on Bornholm underscore the significance of the sun in the daily lives of Stone Age communities, with the golden disc in the sky dictating crucial activities like sowing and harvesting.
Archaeologist Jeanette Varberg noted the importance of the sun in the rituals at places like Rispebjerg and Vasagård, which were gathering spots for community activities rather than settlements. These sites, common throughout Europe during the Neolithic era, saw the emergence of sun stones deposited in ditches during a single event, possibly in response to an ecological disaster triggered by a volcanic eruption.
After confirming a major volcanic event 4,900 years ago through ice core analysis, researchers explored how this eruption might have affected the climate. They analyzed fossilized trees from Germany and the United States, observing closely spaced growth rings and reduced sunlight during the period. This evidence, coupled with communal rituals mirroring agricultural practices, suggests that the sun stone burials were symbolic gestures to address climate challenges and ensure a successful harvest.
Looking ahead, further investigation by volcanologists may help identify the mysterious volcano responsible for the eruption. Meanwhile, archaeologists are intrigued by the connection between volcanic activity and sun stone rituals, pondering how Neolithic societies interacted with the sun and how these interactions shaped cultural practices. The study raises questions about whether the sun stone ritual was a localized event on Bornholm or part of a broader religious movement emphasizing the significance of the sun in ancient beliefs.
This article was written by science writer Mindy Weisberger and has appeared in various publications.
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