Here's another UNESCO world heritage site we'd love to show you is Skara Brae. Skara Brae is located just North-East of Scotland, in the Orkney Isles. In 1850, a terrible storm raged in the on the isles. And when it calmed and passed, the clouds recending, the light revealed the outline of an ancient village.
|
Just a couple of old houses, that was all, and after a few years of excitement but no treasures, the locals stopped digging around and left it. Until 1913 that is, when grave diggers and robbers came in and in a single weekend excavated most of the site, taking away an unkown number of items. 9 years later, as another storm almost took the village down with it, the decision came to fortify it against the winds. The first complete excavation was made in 1927. |
The houses came with cupboards, dressers, stone boxes and even, shockingly, a primitive drainage system that went through the village and included a crude toilet in each house.
|
Tools used were stone. They built their houses by pushing big stone slabs into the ground as walls. No roofs were found, and researchers guess they lived without them. Seeing as almost all of their tools were made of stone, it's not that surprising, and apparently keeping off the winds was enough for them. Researchers claim that Skara Brae was inhabited for about 6000 years before it was abandonded. |
However, despite the simplicity of their tools, their homes make a lot of sense. They usually followed as follows: One large room with a fireplace, and two stone beds on either side. Was it the man who slept on the big bed and the woman on the small one? Did the female sleep with the children on the big bed while the man slept on the small bed? Researchers are still trying to figure that one out.
|
So how old is it? It was inhabited, researchers claim, at about 3200-2500 BC. In other words, it has been without residents 4000-5000 years, belonging to an ancient neolithic past, a race of man no more caveman, but very early in human culture. Yet, they were already farming, as the ruins have shown. |
All in all 8 houses were discvered, assuming an 8 family residences. No one knows why they left or if they died there, and that one will always be a mystery.
|
In 1999 Skara Brae were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
|
Submitted by: Marcus A.
TRIVIA: Test Your Knowledge of the Seven Wonders
How much do you think you know about the ancient Seven Wonders of the World? Take this test and find out.
These 9 Pricey Castles Would Make the Most Amazing Homes
Who wouldn't love to live in one of these 9 for sale castles? Well, you can dream, can't you?!
Wow! These Underground Dwellings Are Utterly Amazing
Impressive feats of architecture that are hidden underground. These are bound to amaze you.
These Rare Artifacts Are Bound to Take Your Breath Away...
Get ready to check out some of the most beautiful ancient artifacts that have ever been discovered!
Have You Heard Of These 5 Oldest Book Shops In The World?
We hear a lot about bookstores closing these days. However, here are some ancient bookstores that have survived the test of time.
9 Small American Towns that Are Prettier than a Postcard
The beauty of rural America is often overlooked, but there are some absolutely breathtaking small towns in the US.
The Uncompromising Beauty of the Southern Pole...
In this video you can see the storm of color that is the Aurora Australis, streaking across the skies of the most southern point on our globe.
Poland's Castles Are Full of Medieval Mystery & Splendor
Poland, lying in the middle of Europe, has some of the most spectacular castles you've ever seen.
Exploring Finland's Untamed Wilderness in 15 Pics
Photographer Oscar Keserci has captured Finland’s incredible beauty in some jaw-dropping pictures. Check them out.
Pack Your Bags Because You Have to Visit These 10 Islands
Get away from it all with a trip to a tropical island. Here are 10 islands that will make you want to travel. Looking at the stunning images is a vacation in itself.
Welcome to One of the Most Beautiful Isles in the World
This video will take you all around Koh Samui with the help of a drone.
Take a Walk Among 11 of London's Greatest Sights
Join us on this virtual journey, accompanied by informative explanations, and get a taste of the wonders that London has to offer.
A City of Ice: Harbin Ice Sculpture Festival on Camera
15 photos of the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture festival in 2020
Indonesia is an Island Paradise With Many Hidden Charms
Explore the culture and natural beauty of Indonesia with this immersive travel guide.
10 Majestic, Ornate Temples in Thailand Worth Visiting
If you're curious to know more, we're talking about the top ten most beautiful and impressive temples hidden in Thailand!
8 Secret Rooms in the World’s Most Famous Landmarks
The world's famous landmarks hold some secrets, right there under the noses of the many visitors. Learn about 8 hidden rooms tucked in the most visited places.
Escape From the World to These Beautiful US Hideaways
Did you know that you can escape from the world right here in the United States? Here are 10 beautiful US hideaways to escape to.
8 Fairytale-Like Castles That You’ve Probably Never Seen
Journey through the globe with us and see these 8 stunning palaces as if you were there right now
This Must Be the Most BEAUTIFUL Place on the Planet!
When they say Switzerland is a magical place, they're not exaggerating. Just look at this beautiful village in the Alps - Iseltwald.
This Dutch Tulip Garden is the Most Magnificent on Earth...
Take an exclusive look at the most beautiful tulip garden on the planet - the world-famous Keukenhof - through 15 stunning photos
9 Magical Scottish Towns We'd Love to Visit
If you are planning a trip to Scotland, here are 9 highly recommended towns to exploreץ
This Dreamy Town in France Will Take Your Breath Away
This is one of France's most beautiful towns!
Harmony, Discipline, Power! What a Drumming Performance!
Watch this mesmerizing drumming performance by a Japanese drumming troupe.
This Man Ran a Marathon Every Single Day of the Year!
Meet Gary McKee, the man who ran 365 marathons in a year!
This Exotic Coast Must Be Seen to Appreciate Its Beauty
This place puts other tropical paradises to shame.
28 Places of Humbling Beauty You Can Find In Asia
Asia is a stunning and highly diverse continent with countless locations to explore. It's time for you to see 28 of the most humbling, beautiful places there.
15 Poignant Pics That Prove How Time Affects Everything
Take a look at these before and after pictures that show how much time affects everything in the world.
Around the World in 10 Unique New Year's Eve Traditions
Discover the different ways New Year’s Eve is celebrated around the world.
The Spectacular Story Behind the Creation of Lady Liberty
One of the most iconic creation in all of history, the Statue of Liberty has an interesting story behind it.
Welcome to the Ancient and Secret City of Petra...
The Lost City of Petra, as you can see from these photographs, really is an amazing place.
These Step Pyramids are the Most Impressive in the World
Curiously, step pyramids were important to many ancient cultures that constructed them for a variety of reasons. Take a look at some of most impressive ones.
11 Unique Museums to Visit in the City of Prague
we've compiled a list of the top 11 must-visit museums in Prague!
Dubai As You’ve Never Seen Before in 18 Photos
Dubai is much morte than its stunning scyscrapers. These pictures give us a glimpse of the city as you've never seen before.
Take a Scenic Ride Through Europe’s Highest Alpine Railway
Embark on a journey all the way to Jungfrau mountain in the Swiss Alps, 3.454 meters (8.051 ft) above sea level, on a train!
Is This the Worst Travel Destination on the Planet?
Many people seem to think that traveling to Africa is a smart move. Well, I have to strongly disagree, since there are loads of negative things about Africa!
This Travel Log Will Take You Through Egypt's Wonders
This short travelogue will take you through some of the most amazing Pharaonic sights of Egypt.
12 of the Most Unusual Border Crossings in the World
Borders are usually thought of as boring, dreary places, but that thinking definitely doesn't apply to these highly unusual border crossings around the world.
10 Famous, Gorgeous Streets We Should All Stroll Down
If you are also attracted to the 10 streets in front of you, maybe one day you will find yourself there
Buffalo is Experiencing the CRAZIEST Winter This Time
Winter in Buffalo, New York, this season has been absolutely crazy.
These Genius Ideas Should Be Implemented Everywhere
We can’t believe these genius design solutions actually exist!
Every City in the World Needs These Futuristic Innovations
We just discovered these amazingly futuristic things from other countries and wanted to share them with you.
25 of China's Hidden Treasures That All Visitors Must See
China is a land of beauty and mystery, filled with countless spots of natural, as well as man-made beauty.
Welcome to Rick Stanley’s World of Inventive Clocks
Rick Stanley’s makes the most inventive clocks, using everything from bottles to bicycles.
A Walk Through Israel and the Palestinian Territories
This visual adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression and deepen your understanding of this multifaceted and fascinating part of the world.
10 Wonderful River Cruise Experiences We Highly Recommend
Here are the top 10 recommended destinations for river cruising worldwide.
Is This the Most Beautiful Place in Italy? We Think So!
Take a look at two breathtaking UNESCO sites in Tivoli, Italy: Hadrian's Villa and the Villa d'Este.