Archaeologists from the University of Aberdeen has stumbled upon a remarkable discovery – a Pictish symbol stone – near the site of the legendary Battle of Nechtansmere. This exciting find sheds new light on the Picts, an ancient civilization that inhabited Scotland, and potentially deepens our understanding of this pivotal battle.
The newly discovered stone was found in a farmer’s field close to Aberlemno, a region already renowned for its rich Pictish heritage and impressive collection of standing stones. Researchers were conducting geophysical surveys to gain a better understanding of the landscape surrounding one of Scotland’s most significant carved stone monument sites.
The Battle of Nechtansmere, believed to be one of the most important battles in Scottish history, is thought to have taken place in Aberlemno in the 7th century. King Bridei Mac Bili of the Picts is said to have emerged victorious against the Anglo-Saxon King Ecgfrith, effectively halting the northward expansion of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The most famous Aberlemno stone is believed to depict scenes from this historic battle.
The newly discovered symbol stone, measuring 1.7 meters long, adds another layer of intrigue to Aberlemno’s significance during the Pictish period. Archaeologists initially identified anomalies in the ground during their survey, suggesting the presence of a settlement. Little did they know they were about to unearth a hidden treasure.
“We thought we’d just uncover a little bit more before we headed off for the day,” recounted Dr. James O’Driscoll, the researcher who first spotted the stone. “We suddenly saw a symbol. There was lots of screaming. It’s a feeling that I’ll probably never have again on an archaeological site. It’s a find of that scale.”
Analysis suggests the stone dates back to the 5th or 6th century. This discovery holds immense value, considering the rarity of Pictish symbol stones – with only around 200 known to exist. Professor Gordon Noble, head of archaeology at the University of Aberdeen, emphasized the significance of the find.
“None of us have ever found a symbol stone before,” he remarked. “Professor Noble expressed hope that the stone would significantly contribute to our understanding of Aberlemno’s importance to the Picts.
Similar to other stones found in Aberlemno, the newly discovered monument appears to be intricately carved with classic Pictish symbols. These include triple ovals, a comb and mirror, a crescent and V-rod, and double discs. Interestingly, the stone seems to exhibit evidence of multiple carving periods, with some symbols superimposed on others.
The stone has been carefully transported to the Graciela Ainsworth conservation lab in Edinburgh for further detailed analysis. This remarkable discovery not only enhances our understanding of Pictish artistic expression but also potentially offers new insights into the events surrounding the Battle of Nechtansmere and the historical significance of Aberlemno.