Throughout history, the force of nature has significantly influenced human societies, often with catastrophic outcomes. Volcanic eruptions are among the most powerful natural events that can change the course of history, ushering in periods of cold weather, reduced sunlight, and poor agricultural yields. A striking example can be traced back to 43 BC when a volcanic eruption in Alaska released enormous amounts of sulfur into the stratosphere. The aftermath saw harvest failures across Mediterranean regions, leading to widespread famine and disease. Historians and scientists have documented these grim realities through ancient Greek and Roman accounts, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate and societal wellbeing.
While the Neolithic period lacks written records, researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen have turned their attention to the Greenland ice sheet’s ice cores. Their recent findings suggest that a significant volcanic eruption occurred around 2,900 BC, which likely wreaked havoc on the Neolithic peoples inhabiting Northern Europe, who depended heavily on agriculture. This volcanic activity, which is now scientifically evidenced, implies that these early societies faced considerable climate challenges that demand further investigation and appreciation.
As climate scientists delve deeper into this ancient cataclysm, archaeologists from the University of Copenhagen, the National Museum of Denmark, and the Museum of Bornholm have brought new focus to the so-called “sun stones” discovered at the Vasagård site on Bornholm. Their recent publication in the journal Antiquity opens a window into how these artifacts might convey a cultural response to catastrophic environmental changes. The sun stones are distinct flat shale pieces, engraved meticulously with patterns and sun motifs, symbolizing a possible reverence for the sun, critical for agricultural success.
The ability of the early agricultural cultures in Northern Europe to perceive changes in their environment likely drove them to create and utilize these sun stones for ritual purposes. Rune Iversen, an archaeologist involved in the excavations, suggests that these artifacts were not merely decorative but potentially sacrificial offerings, meant to invoke the sun and ensure bountiful harvests. The period surrounding 2,900 BC saw a population acutely aware of their reliance on the sun, and as atmospheric conditions deteriorated, it is reasonable to speculate that fear and desperation would lead to such rituals.
At the Vasagård West site, numerous sun stones appeared deposited in ditches, which served as part of a causewayed enclosure. Alongside these artifacts lay remnants of ritual feasting, including broken vessels and animal bones, offering clues that the community engaged in complex social and religious practices. The combination of these deposits suggests a society in communion with both their environment and spiritual beliefs, aligning closely with their hopes for agricultural stability.
Interestingly, the research suggests a high probability of a direct correlation between the documented volcanic eruption and the subsequent climate shifts leading to the ritual practices associated with sun stones. Such findings indicate that Neolithic inhabitants of Bornholm likely sought to shield themselves from escalating climate adversities through these sacrifices. Alternatively, they may have aimed to express gratitude for the sun’s return, illustrating a cyclical relationship between human activity and natural phenomena.
Amidst the challenges posed by changing climates, Northern European Neolithic cultures also confronted health crises, evident from new DNA studies of human remains that indicate widespread and lethal outbreaks of disease. This intersection of environmental stressors presented a dual threat to societal stability, prompting adaptations in cultural practices and social structures.
As these transformative events unfolded, significant shifts occurred within the traditions of Neolithic societies. The Funnel Beaker Culture, long predominant in the region, gradually receded from prominence, giving way to new cultural practices. Changes in burial customs, along with the construction of elaborate palisades and circular cult structures, suggest a society grappling with its identity amid climatic turmoil.
In a remarkable twist of fate, four sun stones from Vasagård are to be showcased in an exhibition at The National Museum of Denmark starting January 28. This exhibition honors the unique artifacts that may represent one of the earliest religious practices linked to a sun-centric culture in South Scandinavia. The sun stones, in their artistry and symbolic weight, stand as a testament to a historical connection between humanity and the celestial body that governed agricultural lifeways.
Researchers emphasize that these artifacts are unlike anything else found in Europe, drawing potential parallels to Neolithic structures like passage graves or henge sites such as Stonehenge, which also reflect a human fascination with celestial events. However, the specificity and contextual significance of the sun stones imply that their role as a ceremonial emblem of sun worship was distinctly rooted in the socio-cultural landscape of Neolithic Bornholm.
In light of these findings, the evidence of a volcanic eruption around 2,900 BC presents an important chapter in understanding human resilience. The signs of climate shifts, marked by decreased solar radiation and resulting cooling, are supported by dendrochronological analyses and chemical signatures found in Antarctic and Greenland ice cores, documenting the impact of ancient natural disasters on subsequent human activity.
The collective insights gained from archaeological excavations, coupled with climate science, illuminate how early societies navigated the complexities of environmental disruptions. The fashionable interpretation of art in the form of sun stones reveals not just artistic expression but a profound narrative about human dependence on nature and attempts to manipulate it through ritual practices.
Given the interdisciplinary nature of this research, it paves the way for more extensive studies into how our ancestors interacted with their world. By integrating paleoclimatology with archaeological findings, the unraveling history of Neolithic cultures underscores critical lessons about sustainability and the importance of adapting to environmental challenges that continue to resonate today.
As the exhibit of sun stones opens to the public, attention is drawn not merely to the artistry of these pieces but to the enduring mystery of human belief systems that sought to exert control over their fates in an unpredictable world. The legacies of these ancient practices question how contemporary cultures may still be responding to climate phenomena, reinforcing the importance of understanding such historical narratives.
Furthermore, this venture into the past serves as a reminder that cultural evolution is often rooted in our reactions to forces beyond our control—an enduring saga that beckons further exploration and dialogue about humanity’s place in the intricate web of life on Earth.
Subject of Research: Archaeological and climatic connections in Neolithic Scandinavia
Article Title: Sun stones and the darkened sun: Neolithic miniature art from the island of Bornholm, Denmark
News Publication Date: 16-Jan-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2024.217
References: Information not provided
Image Credits: National Museum of Denmark
Keywords: Neolithic period, volcanic eruption, climate change, archaeology, sun stones, Scandinavia, ancient rituals, environmental impact, agricultural practices, human resilience.
