When we think of historical places which date back thousands of years it’s natural to think of the Pyramids, Stonehenge or the ruins of ancient Mesopotamia. Yet Scotland’s Orkney region – an archipelago made up of over 70 islands – boasts some of the very best Neolithic sites on the planet. With some dating back over 5,000 years, these eye-opening ancient constructions might just nudge a lot of people to redefine their perceptions of ancient civilization. Indeed, Orkney is now recognized by UNESCO as having a vital collection of prehistoric cultural sites.
Skara Brae
One of the best surviving prehistoric sites in the world, the remains of the Neolithic village at Skara Brae date back over 5,000 years. Still amazingly well preserved, visitors can explore this prehistoric village as well as touring reconstructions and an interactive visitor center, which brings the Stone Age world into the 21st century.
Ring of Brodgar
A magnificent stone circle, the Ring of Brodgar was originally made up of 60 massive stones, of which 27 are still standing. One of the largest stone circles in the British Isles, Brodgar is thought to date back at least 4,000 years and would have taken considerable engineering skill to construct. Probably built for ceremonial use, the site is surrounded by a number of prehistoric burial mounds.
Maeshowe
Maeshowe is one of the finest examples of a Stone Age grave site in the world and dates back almost 5,000 years. An astonishing Neolithic burial…