Skara Brae

Skara Brae 6

Image by JCHC

The Sea Cat Jun 28, 2011 11:58:54

I was watching a DVD of Simon Schama's 'History Of Britain' Episode One the other day, and it again reminded me of how little we know of daily life in Neolithic times. Skara Brae is absolutely fascinating in this respect - it's almost timeless. The layout and design of these buildings, the furnishings of the dwellings, with mantel pieces, hearths etc, food storage facilities, and the proximity to the nearby Stones all show us a clearly defined culture and community that is so close to our modern selves. Does anyone know of any other examples of remants of Neolithic communities that still gives us this wonderful and inspiring glimpse into the human reality of our ancestors that is still so close to us ?

I'm planning to visit Iona in the not too distant, maybe next year, and I must visit Skara Brae and it's environs whilst I'm there. Anyway, I'm a novice compared to most folk here, but I thought I'd post this link anyway:

http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/skarabrae/

tjj Jun 28, 2011 11:40:05

Replying to The Sea Cat

The Sea Cat wrote:

http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/skarabrae/

You'll it love Sea Cat. Iona is quite a long way from Orkney though and not the easiest place to get to, which makes it all the more worth while. I always want to go back ... I've posted this before so apologies for repeating myself - it was the 'Peace of Iona' song by the Waterboys that inspired me to go.

On a different trip a couple of years ago, I made the long journey up to Thurso and eventually over to Orkney. I always want to go back there too - it was midsummer and never got truly dark. Took the all night ferry over to Shetland - visited Jarlshof which is as old, if not older, than Skara Brae but was settled by the Vikings so has several different periods of prehistory and history attached to it - is near Sumburgh Head for puffins.

best wishes
tjj

CARL Jun 28, 2011 12:46:17

Replying to The Sea Cat

I'm a great believer that 'people are people' - wherever you go and whatever time period you are in (more or less). It doesn't surprise me in the least that people thousands of years ago had the same fears, concerns, fun, joy as people today. No doubt there was someone even then talking about the importance of a work/life balance!!