Rare Neolithic Archaeologists Discovery Reveals 5,000-Year-Old Secrets- Ancient Tomb Unearthed in Orkney, Know more.
A groundbreaking archaeologists discovery has uncovered the remains of a 5,000-year-old tomb on one of Scotland’s Orkney Islands. This ancient burial site, belonging to the Neolithic era, had been largely forgotten, with no records of its existence since the 19th century. National Museums Scotland revealed that only a total of 12 such tombs have been identified in Orkney, signifying their importance as remarkable examples of Neolithic engineering in Northern Britain.
The Discovery
This “incredibly rare” tomb was brought to light after an extensive three-week excavation. It consists of a substantial stone chamber situated at the centre of a cairn, a mound of stones built by humans as a marker for burial sites. Surrounding the stone chamber are six smaller rooms.
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Within one of these smaller rooms, archaeologists made a remarkable find – the articulated skeletons of 14 individuals, including men, women, and children. These skeletons, along with various human remains and artefacts such as pottery, stone tools, and a bone pin, were uncovered during the excavation.
Preservation Against the Odds
The preservation of these human remains in a tomb that had been extensively plundered for building materials over the centuries is truly astonishing. The tomb, known as the Holm tomb, had been concealed beneath a pasture field, and much of its stonework had been dismantled to provide materials for a nearby farmhouse in the late 18th or early 19th century.
A Chance Discovery
The tale of the tomb’s rediscovery traces back to 1896 when the farmer’s son stumbled upon eight skeletons while excavating the ruins. This discovery was reported in The Orcadian, a local newspaper, and catalyzed subsequent archaeological investigations in the area.
The revelation of this ancient tomb provides us with valuable insights into the lives and burial practices of people from the Neolithic era. Dr Hugo Anderson-Whymark of National Museums Scotland described it as an incredible find, considering that this monumental tomb had nearly faded into obscurity without a trace. This discovery serves as a testament to the rich archaeological history of Orkney and the unceasing quest of scientists to unlock the mysteries of the past.
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