The Unstan Chambered Cairn is a Neolithic tomb located on the Mainland of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It’s a remarkable example of the Orkney-Cromarty type of chambered cairn, which dates back to around 3400 to 2800 BC. The cairn was discovered in the 19th century and has since been a subject of archaeological interest. It features a large, round mound with a central chamber and is known for its distinctive architecture and the artifacts found within, including pottery that has given its name to a style of Neolithic ware: Unstan ware. The site offers insights into the burial practices and ceremonial activities of the Neolithic people of Orkney.
Cairns
are piles of stones used as markers for burial sites. They were often used in ancient times to signify graves, and they can still be found in places like Scotland and Ireland.
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn stands as one of the most remarkable Neolithic monuments in Europe. It lies in the heartland of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved ancient sites. The structure boasts a sophisticated example of prehistoric architecture. Visitors often marvel at the large stones forming its entrance passageway, leading to a central chamber. Here, they find standing stones that have withstood the test of time.
Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn
Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn is a Neolithic burial site shrouded in mystique and ancient charm. This remarkable structure lies atop Cuween Hill on Orkney’s Mainland in Scotland, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors step back over 4,000 years in time upon entering the cairn’s main chamber, which branches into four small cells. Historically, it served as a communal tomb, a final resting place for the bones of the ancients. Carved from solid rock and earth, this historic marvel tells the stories of a civilization long gone, but whose legacy resonates through time.
Cairn of Barnenez
Located in Brittany, France, the Cairn of Barnenez stands as one of the most remarkable prehistoric monuments in Europe. Dating back to around 4500 BC, it consists of two separate but adjoining cairns, which form an imposing megalithic structure. The site spans 75 meters in length and reaches eight meters in height, showcasing an impressive architectural feat for its time. Its numerous chambers and intricate stone carvings reveal important insights into the rituals and beliefs of its Neolithic creators.
The Clava Cairns
The Clava Cairns, a historical treasure nestled in the heart of Scotland, is a complex of around 50 prehistoric burial cairns dating back to the Bronze Age.
Loughcrew Cairns
County Meath, home to the ancient Loughcrew Cairns, is a captivating historical site located in Ireland. This collection of Neolithic passage tombs, often referred to as the Hills of the Witch, is a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of our ancestors. The site offers a unique glimpse into the past, with its intricate carvings and alignment with the sun during the equinoxes, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.County Meath, home to the ancient Loughcrew Cairns, is a captivating historical site located in Ireland. This collection of Neolithic passage tombs, often referred to as the Hills of the Witch, is a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of our ancestors. The site offers a unique glimpse into the past, with its intricate carvings and alignment with the sun during the equinoxes, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.