Neolithic Sites in the Orkney Islands

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In summary, the National Geographic article discusses Neolithic structures in the Orkney Islands. The structures are incredibly well-made and date back 5,000 years. The article also mentions the Orkney vole and how it may have arrived in the islands.
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Astronuc
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I was reading a recent issue of National Geographic and there was an article on Neolithic structures in the Orkney Islands. It is fascinating.

Before Stonehenge
One long-ago day around 3200 B.C., the farmers and herdsmen on Scotland’s remote Orkney Islands decided to build something big...
They had Stone Age technology, but their vision was millennia ahead of their time. Five thousand years ago the ancient inhabitants of Orkney—a fertile, green archipelago off the northern tip of modern-day Scotland—erected a complex of monumental buildings unlike anything they had ever attempted before.

They quarried thousands of tons of fine-grained sandstone, trimmed it, dressed it, then transported it several miles to a grassy promontory with commanding views of the surrounding countryside. Their workmanship was impeccable. The imposing walls they built would have done credit to the Roman centurions who, some 30 centuries later, would erect Hadrian’s Wall in another part of Britain.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/neolithic-orkney/smith-text

Sites includes Ness of Brodgar, Maes Howe, Skara Brae, Tomb of the Eagles, and Stones of Stenness

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/neolithic-orkney/megalith-map
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2014/08/neolithic-orkney/brodgar-graphic

"In 1958 a farmer digging flagstones accidentally uncovered the 5,000-year-old Tomb of the Eagles. It held more than 16,000 human bones mingled with the talons of white-tailed eagles."

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/120127-stonehenge-ness-brodgar-scotland-science/
http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/nessofbrodgar/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ness_of_Brodgar

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/oct/06/orkney-temple-centre-ancient-britain

http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/propertyresults/propertydetail.htm?PropID=PL_280
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk...L_244&PropName=Skara Brae Prehistoric Village

http://www.maeshowe.co.uk/maeshowe/standing.html
http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/standingstones/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_Stones_of_Stenness

Skara Brae
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skara_Brae
http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/skarabrae/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/history/articles/skara_brae/

The Knap o' Howar, Papay
http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/knaphowar.htm

 
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Maybe 5000 years ago the mysterious Orkney vole appeared. Since the Orkneys were a known maritime trading center, it seems possible they arrived as stowaways on trading vessels from as far as the Mediterranean. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orkney_vole

Some of the Orkney ruins seem to have been ritually filled in before abandonment, a practice we have seen at Gobekli Tepe.
 

1. What are Neolithic sites?

Neolithic sites are archaeological sites that date back to the New Stone Age, or Neolithic period, which began around 12,000 years ago and ended around 4,000 years ago. These sites often contain evidence of early human settlement, including tools, pottery, and structures.

2. Where are the Neolithic sites located in the Orkney Islands?

The Orkney Islands, located off the northern coast of Scotland, are home to a large number of Neolithic sites, including the famous Skara Brae and the Standing Stones of Stenness. These sites are spread out across the islands, with some located on the mainland and others on smaller islands within the archipelago.

3. What makes the Neolithic sites in the Orkney Islands significant?

The Neolithic sites in the Orkney Islands are significant because they offer a glimpse into the lives of early humans and the development of human society. These sites show evidence of advanced building techniques, sophisticated art and religious practices, and complex social structures, providing valuable insights into our past.

4. How were the Neolithic sites in the Orkney Islands built?

The Neolithic sites in the Orkney Islands were built using primitive tools and techniques, such as stone axes and wooden sledges. Many of the structures were made using large stones, such as the Standing Stones of Stenness, which were likely transported by boat and then erected using ropes and levers.

5. Are the Neolithic sites in the Orkney Islands open to the public?

Yes, many of the Neolithic sites in the Orkney Islands are open to the public for exploration. Some of the sites, such as Skara Brae, have been carefully preserved and offer guided tours for visitors. Others, like the Ring of Brodgar, can be freely accessed and explored. However, it is important to respect these ancient sites and follow any rules or regulations in place for their protection.

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