quernstones

A quernstone is a type of mill used for grinding grains or other foodstuffs. It typically consists of two stones, a lower stationary stone called a "quern" and an upper rotating stone called a "runner." Grains are placed in a hole in the center of the runner, which is then rotated by hand, often with a handle. The grains are crushed and ground between the two stones, producing flour or meal. Quernstones have been used by humans for thousands of years, with evidence found in archaeological sites dating back to the Neolithic period. They were common throughout ancient Greece, Rome, and many other cultures. The design and materials used for quernstones varied depending on the region and the available resources. Common materials included sandstone, granite, and basalt. The size of quernstones also varied, from small hand-held versions to larger ones that required more effort to operate. While largely replaced by more efficient mechanical mills in modern times, quernstones represent an important technological development in the history of food production and human civilization. They were a primary tool for processing grain into a more usable form for baking and cooking.