Viking Altar Rock facts for kids
The Viking Altar Rock is a very large rock found in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. It is a special type of rock called a glacial erratic, which means it was moved a long distance by a glacier many years ago. People in the area see it as an important local landmark.
This huge boulder was discovered in 1943. It is about 8.2 meters (27 feet) long and 5.2 meters (17 feet) wide. The rock has four holes that are roughly triangular in shape. These holes are about 1 meter (3 feet) above the ground.
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What is the Viking Altar Rock?
A Giant Rock from the Ice Age
The Viking Altar Rock is a glacial erratic. This means it is a large piece of rock that was carried by a glacier far from where it originally formed. When the glacier melted, it left the rock behind. This rock is very old, formed by natural forces over thousands of years.
The Mystery of the Holes
The rock has four interesting holes. They are somewhat triangular and are found on the side of the rock. These holes are about 1 meter (3 feet) above the base. Their exact purpose or how they were formed is not fully known. Some people believe they were made by humans, while others think they are natural.
Is it Really a Viking Altar?
The "Trail of the Vikings" Idea
The Viking Altar Rock is often promoted as part of a "Trail of the Vikings." This trail suggests that Vikings explored Minnesota a very long time ago. The rock is presented as possible proof of their visits.
Why Experts Are Skeptical
However, many experts and historians believe this idea is just a guess, or "conjecture." There is no strong scientific evidence to prove that Vikings used this rock as an altar or even visited this specific area. Most of the real evidence for Viking exploration in North America points to places much farther east, like L'Anse aux Meadows in Canada.
The Rock's Rededication
In August 1975, the "altar" was given a special ceremony. This event was a "rededication," which means it was celebrated again in a formal way. The ceremony included an ecumenical celebration of Mass. "Ecumenical" means it involved different Christian churches working together. A "Mass" is a type of religious service.
