Skeletons Unearthed in Extraordinary 5000-year-old Scottish Tomb – Shiv Telegram Media
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Archaeologists Unearth Rare 5,000-Year-Old Tomb on Orkney Island
A groundbreaking discovery has been made on one of the Scottish Orkney Islands as archaeologists have unearthed a 5,000-year-old tomb from the Neolithic era. Although the tomb had been largely destroyed in the 19th century, its significance remains “incredibly rare.”
Considered the pinnacle of Neolithic engineering in northern Britain, these types of tombs are extremely scarce, with only 12 similar structures found in the Orkney region. This latest find sheds new light on the ancient people who once inhabited these islands.
The discovered tomb features a central large stone chamber, which is surrounded by six smaller rooms. Astonishingly, archaeologists have found 14 articulated skeletons of men, women, and children in one of these smaller side rooms. Additionally, various other human remains and artifacts have been discovered, providing valuable insights into the lives of these prehistoric individuals.
What makes these findings even more remarkable is the level of preservation seen in the human remains. Despite the fact that most of the tomb’s stones were looted for building materials, the skeletons have survived the test of time remarkably well. Their preservation allows researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the burial practices and rituals of this ancient civilization.
The tomb itself had been buried beneath a pasture field for centuries and had suffered substantial damage in the 18th and 19th centuries to supply materials for a nearby farmhouse. It wasn’t until the discovery of eight skeletons in 1896 that further archaeological exploration in the area took place. The tomb’s existence may have been lost without a trace, but fortunately, enough stonework has endured for experts to analyze its size and construction.
This exciting discovery adds to our knowledge of the neolithic people who once called Orkney their home. It provides an opportunity to piece together the puzzle of their daily lives, societal structures, and burial customs. The findings from this tomb bring us closer to unveiling the mysteries of an ancient civilization that thrived thousands of years ago on the Scottish islands.
As archaeologists continue to analyze these remains and artifacts, it is hoped that further insights will be gained, helping us paint a clearer picture of the Neolithic era and its inhabitants. This remarkable find serves as a testimony to the rich history and cultural heritage of Orkney and the importance of continued archaeological research in the region.
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