Introduction to Ring of Brodgar

The Ring of Brodgar is a huge stone circle on the island of Orkney, off the north coast of Scotland which comprises:

A massive stone circle, originally consisting of 60 stones, of which 36 survive.

At least 13 prehistoric burial mounds.

A large rock-cut ditch surrounding the stone circle.

Very little is known of the peoples who built the structure around 4,500 years ago during the Neolithic period. However, they were probably farmers living in organised settlements containing buildings for both domestic and ritual purposes. This was the Stone Age and hence the people used stone tools.

History of the Ring of Brodgar

The people of the time probably kept cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

The temperature during the Neolithic period was probably slightly warmer and drier than today.

The Ring and associated henge may have been constructed for ritual and/or community gathering purposes.

Construction of the Ring may have been a community project as the various stones appear to have originated from different locations across Mainland Orkney. Such a project would imply a sophisticated central authority with organisational and project management skills.

Other Neolithic sites in the vicinity

In close proximity to the Ring of Brodgar can be found other sites from the same era, viz:

Skara Brae domestic settlement.

Maeshowe chambered tomb

Stones of Stennes, remains of a circle with surviving stones up to around 6m/18ft in height.

More information

For more information on prehistoric Orkney and other aspects of Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4