Viking Altar Rock
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The Viking Altar Rock in Sauk Centre, Minnesota is a chancel-like stone that, similar to the Kensington Runestone, is claimed to have been used by Vikings as an altar during an alleged exploration of the Upper Midwest region of the United States. The rock is 8.2 m (27 ft) long by 5.2 m (17 ft) wide. Claims that the rock was an altar are based on the presence of two sets of holes, roughly triangular in shape, about 1 meter above the base, which are speculated to have held an altar shelf. Other holes at the ends are claimed to have supported halberds on which a canopy could be placed.
The altar was "rededicated" in August, 1975 with a celebration of mass. A display about the rock is located at the Sinclair Lewis Interpretive Center in Sauk Centre. The local Knights of Columbus Council promotes the rock.
It is part of the "Trail of the Vikings" that celebrates supposed evidence of Viking exploration of Minnesota.
[edit] External links
[edit] See also
- Nomans Land (Massachusetts)
- Bat Creek Inscription
- Heavener Runestone
- Turkey Mountain
- Shawnee Runestone
- Poteau Runestone
- Kensington Runestone
- Vinland map
- Mandan Indians
- Bryggen inscriptions
- Kingigtorssuaq Runestone
[edit] References
- Michael W. Hughey and Michael G. Michlovic (1989) Making history: The Vikings in the American Heartland. International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society 2(3) pp. 338-360.
