A Ring of Questions
The Ring of Brodgar is one of the largest Neolithic henges (circular enclosures) in Britain. One of the most famous is Stonehenge in Wiltshire.
How Old is the Ring of Brodgar?
Archaeologists do not know exactly how old Brodgar is but think it probably dates to the late Neolithic period -- between 4000 and 4500 years ago.
What Was the Ring Used for?
It is thought that the Ring was used as a meeting place for ceremonies possibly involving feasting and commemorating the dead. It sits in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by hills and flanked on either side by the waters of Harray and Stenness lochs. This prominent and open position suggests that ceremonies held here were very public occasions. The community, gathered at the Ring, would have had clear views of what was happening inside. However, the centre of the henge itself may have been an especially sacred place, with access limited only to certain people.
What Size is the Ring?
The stones form a near perfect circle, 104 metres across, surrounded by a 10 metre wide ditch that has two opposing causeways crossing over the it. Unusually for a henge monument there is no trace of an earth mound around the outside of the ditch.
Where are the Stones From?
The stones are different types of Old Red Sandstone, suggesting they came from different parts of Orkney. To the north of Skara Brae are the remains of a prehistoric quarry with several large monoliths still in place awaiting removal.
Construction of the Ring
Constructing the Ring of Brodgar was a huge undertaking. It required people to quarry the stones, transport them, erect each one in a set place and to dig the rock-cut ditch. The enormous communal effort tells us the Neolithic society was sophisticated and well organized.
How Many Stones are There?
Brodgar may originally have been a circle of 60 stones, though only 36 survive today. 13 of these were re-erected shortly after the Ring came into state care in 1906.
Aligned to the Stars
Archaeologists have found that the homes and tombs of Neolithic peoples often line up with the rising or setting of the sun. Although there is no clear evidence it is possible that the arrangement of stones at Brodgar followed the changing seasons or the cycles of the moon and sun.
Invisible Archaeology
The fields that surround the Ring are rich with archaeology, most of it now hidden from view. Recent geophysical investigations have revealed prehistoric field systems and settlement remains which might mean that there were people living here when the Ring was built.
A Ritual and Ceremonial Landscape
This is a landscape rich in archaeology, history, nature and folklore. Around the Ring of Brodgar you can see burial mounds, cairns and standing stones. Long before Brodgar was built, and long after, the people of Orkney considered this a special place.
How Do We Know?
People have been fascinated by the Ring of Brodgar for hundreds of years. Archaeologists have excavated and uncovered clues and suggested answers to some of the questions that we have about the place. Many things are still unknown.