Skara Brae 3,100BC - 2,500BC Orkney Islands Scotland - part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site - 1.10.2013
Skara Brae is a stone-built Neolithic Settlement located on the Bay of Skaill on the West Coast of Mainland the largest island in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland. It's older than Stone Henge and the Great Pyramids of Egypt - occupied from roughly 3,100BC to about 2,500BC and is Europe's most complete Neolithic Village.
Around 2,500BC after the climate changed becoming much colder and wetter it is believed the settlement was rapidly abandoned as they seem to have been taken by surprise having fled leaving their prized possessions - such as necklaces etc.
8 clustered houses remain and used 'Earth Sheltering' - being sunk into the ground providing not only stability but also acting as insulation against Orkney's harsh climate. each mesures roughly 40 sq metres (430 sq feet) with a large square room containing a hearth used for heating and cooking.
House No. 8 (pictured here) is 'Unique' having no storage boxes or dresser and is divided into small cubicles and is a stand alone structure above ground with walls over 2 metres (6.5 feet) thick and has a porch protecting its entrance. Fragments of stone, bone and antler were excavated suggesting the house may have been used to make tools such as bone needles or flint axes. The presence of hot damaged volcanic rocks and what appears to be a flue support this interpretation.
The site was first discovered in 1850, when a severe storm stripped the earth away that had previously concealed it. Thereafter, amateur excavation was started. 4 houses were fully excavated but worked ceased in 1868.
In 1924, another storm swept away part of one house and it was then decided to properly secure and investigate the site. The settlement originally was much farther from the sea than today and many unknown structures have been lost to sea erosion. It is now fully protected by a seal wall.
A fascinating place well worth visiting!
Skara Brae 3,100BC - 2,500BC Orkney Islands Scotland - part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site - 1.10.2013
Skara Brae is a stone-built Neolithic Settlement located on the Bay of Skaill on the West Coast of Mainland the largest island in the Orkney archipelago of Scotland. It's older than Stone Henge and the Great Pyramids of Egypt - occupied from roughly 3,100BC to about 2,500BC and is Europe's most complete Neolithic Village.
Around 2,500BC after the climate changed becoming much colder and wetter it is believed the settlement was rapidly abandoned as they seem to have been taken by surprise having fled leaving their prized possessions - such as necklaces etc.
8 clustered houses remain and used 'Earth Sheltering' - being sunk into the ground providing not only stability but also acting as insulation against Orkney's harsh climate. each mesures roughly 40 sq metres (430 sq feet) with a large square room containing a hearth used for heating and cooking.
House No. 8 (pictured here) is 'Unique' having no storage boxes or dresser and is divided into small cubicles and is a stand alone structure above ground with walls over 2 metres (6.5 feet) thick and has a porch protecting its entrance. Fragments of stone, bone and antler were excavated suggesting the house may have been used to make tools such as bone needles or flint axes. The presence of hot damaged volcanic rocks and what appears to be a flue support this interpretation.
The site was first discovered in 1850, when a severe storm stripped the earth away that had previously concealed it. Thereafter, amateur excavation was started. 4 houses were fully excavated but worked ceased in 1868.
In 1924, another storm swept away part of one house and it was then decided to properly secure and investigate the site. The settlement originally was much farther from the sea than today and many unknown structures have been lost to sea erosion. It is now fully protected by a seal wall.
A fascinating place well worth visiting!