TPO33-integ

Both the reading and lecture discuss possible theories behind findings of carved stone balls in Scotland. The reading claims several ideas which proposed by archeologists. However, the lecturer finds all the mentioned ideas dubious and unconvincing and presents some evidence to refute them all.

First, the author holds the view that since many of the stone balls were found with holes in them or grooves on their surface, they were utilized as weapons in hunting and fighting. In contrast, the professor brings up the idea that stone balls which are used as weapons must be cracked or divided into pieces. However, there is no evidence of fractioning in the stone balls. Thus, the theory does not seem acceptable.

Furthermore, the passage asserts that the stone balls were used as criteria in measuring systems since they were similar in size. It states that they may be used for trading. On the contrary, the lecturer dismisses the issue due to the fact that stone balls were made from different types of stones with different density. In fact, they could be similar in size but different in density which culminated in diverse masses.

Last but not least, the reading argues that the carved stone balls were representative of social class of their owners. Conversely, the professor contrasts that the mentioned theory is inconsistent with current evidence. She states an old tradition in which the dead body of a high-ranked person was buried with all his materials. However, no stones balls were found in their grooves. It argues the claim made by archeologists. Therefore, it is unlikely that the stone balls were contributed in social positons.