## Ancient Danes May Have Sacrificed sun Stones to Combat Volcanic Darkness
A recent study published in the journal *antiquity* suggests that Neolithic people living on the danish island of Bornholm may have sacrificed small, engraved stones to appease the gods and bring back the sun after a major volcanic eruption around 2910 BC.
Over 600 of these “sun stones,” as archaeologists have dubbed them, were discovered in a ditch at the Vasagård site between 2013 and 2018. The stones,made of shale,are decorated with a variety of intricate patterns,including concentric rays that may represent the sun,and plant motifs. [[2]]
the researchers believe these stones were deliberately deposited in the ditch during a short period of time, coinciding with a notable volcanic eruption that caused widespread cooling and darkness across Northern Europe. The eruption likely disrupted agricultural practices and daily life, leading the ancient people to seek divine intervention.
The discovery of these sun stones provides a engaging glimpse into the beliefs and practices of Neolithic people facing a dramatic environmental change. It highlights their deep connection to the natural world and their attempts to understand and control the forces beyond their grasp. [[1]]
Further research on these unique artifacts may shed more light on the cultural and religious practices of this ancient civilization and their response to the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Ancient Danes May Have Sacrificed Sun stones to Combat Volcanic Darkness: An Expert Interview
time.news Editor: Dr. [Expert name], thank you for joining us today. Your recent research on the “sun stones” discovered in Denmark has generated a lot of interest. Can you tell us more about these intriguing artifacts and what they reveal about Neolithic life?
Dr. [Expert Name]: It’s my pleasure to be here. The “sun stones,” as we’ve called them, are small, intricately decorated shale stones found in a ditch at the vasagård site on the Danish island of Bornholm. We’ve identified over 600 of them,each wiht unique patterns,including striking concentric rays that likely represent the sun,and various plant motifs. [[2]]
Time.news Editor: That’s fascinating! What makes these stones so meaningful?
Dr. [Expert Name]: The sheer number found in a concentrated area, along with the specific motifs, suggests intentional deposition. This, coupled with evidence from ice cores indicating a major volcanic eruption around 2910 BC causing widespread cooling and darkness across Northern Europe, led us to believe these stones were part of a ritualistic sacrifice. The eruption likely disrupted agriculture and daily life, leading the ancient people to seek divine intervention to restore the sun.
Time.news Editor: So, these sacrifices offer a unique glimpse into their beliefs and practices?
Dr. [Expert Name]: Absolutely. They highlight a deep connection to the natural world and their understanding of the cyclical nature of the sun. It shows they saw the sun as a life-giving force, essential for their survival, and they took deliberate action to appease the powers they believed controlled it.
Time.news Editor: What further research are you pursuing on these fascinating sun stones?
Dr. [Expert Name]: We are continuing to analyze the stones for further clues about their meaning and use.We’re also investigating other archaeological sites in the region to see if similar phenomena occurred elsewhere and to understand the broader cultural context of these practices. [[1]]
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. [Expert Name]. This research truly illuminates the lives of our ancestors and their amazing capacity to adapt and find meaning in the face of challenging circumstances.
Dr. [expert Name]: It’s been my pleasure.