Ring of Brodgar

The Ring of Brodgar is a large Neolithic stone circle located in Orkney, Scotland, dating back to around 2500–2000 BCE. It is one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain and forms part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. The circle originally had 60 standing stones, though 36 remain today. They are arranged in a perfect circle over 104 metres wide, surrounded by a large rock-cut ditch. The size and precision of the monument suggest it was built for ceremonial or ritual purposes. Unlike other Neolithic sites, there is no sign of domestic use, reinforcing its likely spiritual or communal role. The ring sits dramatically between two lochs and is aligned with nearby monuments, indicating it was part of a larger sacred landscape. Although its exact purpose is unknown, the Ring of Brodgar remains a powerful reminder of the beliefs, organisation, and astronomical knowledge of prehistoric people in Orkney.

Skara Brae

Skara Brae is a prehistoric stone village located on the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Dating back over 5,000 years (around 3200 BCE), it is one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in Europe—older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt. Uncovered by a storm in 1850, the site consists of eight stone houses, each with stone furniture like beds, dressers, and a central hearth. The homes were built into the ground for warmth and protection from the harsh climate. Artifacts found suggest a skilled and peaceful community, with no signs of warfare. Skara Brae is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and gives an extraordinary glimpse into everyday life in prehistoric times.