...By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
The Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, which has been used in the coronation of Scotland’s kings and queens, is to be brought out for the coronation of King Charles in a few weeks.
However, scientists who recently scanned the 800-year-old stone have discovered that it is riddled with “anomalies”.
Historic Environment Scotland, a public body that looks after the stone, found a copper alloy stain on top of the stone, which suggests that a heavy copper or brass object sat on the stone for a while during its life.
The scientists also found markings that look like Roman numerals, including three X-shaped marks and a V-shaped mark, which have not been recorded before.
The Stone of Destiny is a significant artefact, and several hidden anomalies have been discovered in it.
The scientists’ findings are likely to raise questions about the stone’s history and significance.
Ewan Campbell, a senior lecturer of archaeology at the University of Glasgow, said that the copper staining on the surface is the more important result.
He suggests that it could signify that a saint’s bell or some other object was positioned on the stone for a long period.
Ewan Hyslop, head of research & climate change at Historic Environment Scotland, said that they do not know why the Roman numerals were carved or what they signify, but they hope that it will be an area for further research
