SKARA BRAE Meaning and
Definition
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Skara Brae is an ancient Neolithic settlement situated on the west coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago, Scotland. It dates back to approximately 3100-2500 BCE and is considered one of the best-preserved prehistoric villages in Northern Europe. The name "Skara Brae" was given to the settlement in the 19th century by the local landowner.
This archaeological site is a significant testament to the early human civilization that inhabited the region during the Neolithic era. Skara Brae consists of eight well-preserved stone houses, constructed using flat slabs of flagstone, arranged in a semi-circle shape. The structures are interconnected by a series of covered passages, providing a communal atmosphere within the settlement.
The dwellings themselves were carefully built, with walls made of stacked stones and a turf roof to insulate against the harsh weather conditions. Each house contained furniture such as stone beds, dressers, storage chambers, and stone hearths. The buildings also had intricate systems for drainage and ventilation, indicating a degree of sophistication in their construction.
Excavations at Skara Brae have unearthed numerous artifacts, providing insight into the lives of its inhabitants. These include tools made from bone, whalebone and stone, jewelry, pottery, and even a gaming board made from stone.
Skara Brae showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its Neolithic inhabitants, shedding light on their daily lives, social structure, and technological advancements. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an important archaeological site, offering valuable knowledge about early human civilization in the British Isles.
Etymology of SKARA BRAE
The word "Skara Brae" is derived from Old Norse. "Skara" means "a skerry", which is a small rocky island, and "Brae" means "slope" or "hillside". Hence, Skara Brae can be translated as "the village on the skerry slope" or "the village on the hillside". Skara Brae is the name of a famous Neolithic settlement located on the Bay of Skaill, Mainland, Orkney Islands, Scotland.
