Introduction

A shocking new discovery in archaeology has unveiled that the Neolithic inhabitants of a small Danish island in the Baltic Sea may have performed a remarkable ritual to appease their sun deity following a catastrophic volcanic eruption around 2910 B.C. This ancient act of devotion, involving the burial of hundreds of intricately decorated stones, could provide insight into early human responses to environmental crises.

The Significance of the Discovery

According to Rune Iversen, an archaeologist from the University of Copenhagen, the evidence suggests that these stones were not mere artifacts but were intentionally sacrificed to ensure the return of the sun and the revival of agricultural prosperity. Iversen highlights the significant role the sun played in the lives of early agricultural societies in Northern Europe.

Details of the Findings

The groundbreaking study, published in the journal Antiquity, details the unearthing of 614 stone plaques and fragments on Bornholm Island, just south of Sweden. The team discovered these treasures in a palisade ditch, dating them back to around 2900 B.C. through nearby pottery styles and radiocarbon dating of charcoal found at the site.

Characteristics of the 'Sun Stones'