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.
Ancient Eastern Architectural Splendors You Shouldn’t Miss
A look at some of the less renowned ancient engineering marvels hidden inside the eastern corners of the world.
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.
Here Are the 16 Oldest Household Objects in the World
If you think ancient life is remote, these pre-historic household items will make you think again. Just look at how old they are!
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?!
6 Striking Lesser-Known Ancient Ruins From Famous Places
Ancient ruins of old cities provide a great glimpse into their past. Here is a look at 6 ancient ruins that are less well-known.
Wow! These Underground Dwellings Are Utterly Amazing
Impressive feats of architecture that are hidden underground. These are bound to amaze you.
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!
Take a Tour of 10 Beautiful Moroccan Destinations!
Morroco is justifiably called the "Pearl of the Dessert," and thanks to these 10 places shot in 4K you'll soon understand why...
The 10 Oldest Gardens in the World One Can Still Visit...
This article showcases the 10 oldest gardens founded by humans centuries ago that still exist today and are well-preserved.
This Beautiful Palace Appears to Hover Over the Water
When you see this palace, you'll want to stay there at least once in your life. In addition to its exquisite architecture, it appears to float on water.
The Incredible Sights and Sites of Salamanca, Spain!
Looking at the most interesting and beautiful parts of Salamanca, Spain
Underwhelming Tourist Attractions
A selection of 12 such disappointing sights you may want to avoid on your travels.
The Tyrol Cow Festival - Celebrating With 100,000 Cows!
The Tyrol Cow Festival is an incredible occasion with 100,000 cows!
The Most Unusual Aspects of Life in Germany – 15 Pics
Germany is full of famous and spectacular places. However, these images shoe some of the unique and quirky aspects of life in Germany.
Aren't Tuscany's Landscapes Absolutely Magnificent?
Tuscany is one of Italy's highlights, take a look at it's stunning countryside here.
Why Train Tickets Are so Expensive in America
Did you know traveling by train in the U.S. is often more expensive than flying? Find out why.
13 Charts & Maps That Tell Us So Much About the World
These informative charts and infographics tell us so much about the world!
These Islands Are Quite Simply the World's Most Magical
The world is home to many beautiful islands, but only some can truly be called magical. Here are 12 of the most magical islands in the entire world.
Take a Walk Along the Most Amazing Cliff Paths in the World
Come with us on a walk through some of the world's most spectacular cliff paths!
What an Amazing HD Tour of the Great Wall of China!
This drone tour of the Great Wall of China doesn't disappoint at all. In fact, the HD footage is so crystal clear that it's (probably) better than going there!
Touch Down in These Incredible Island Airports!
Here are some of the most fantastic island airports that you could be landing in on your next exotic vacation!
Austria's Lake District Is Gorgeous Beyond Belief!
I have rarely been as stunned as I was when I saw how beautiful Salzkammergut in Austria is. Visit this amazing lake district in Europe.
Check Out These Spectacular Award-Winning Drone Photos
Check out the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Drone Photo Awards.
Harmony, Discipline, Power! What a Drumming Performance!
Watch this mesmerizing drumming performance by a Japanese drumming troupe.
You Better Move Your Shop, the Train is Coming.
This is pretty unbelievable, yet has become routine to these folks..
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 Pictures Will Make You Desperately Crave the ‘70s
Rediscover the charm of the '70s with these delightful pictures.
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.
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.
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.
Take in China's Spectacular Oriental Beauty - from Above
Get ready to fly high over China's most amazing landscapes.
18 Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites to See in Italy
Apart from well-known attractions like the Colosseum, Pompeii, Rome, Venice, and Florence, there are 18 impressive locations that showcase a captivating blend of natural landscapes and ancient architectural wonders.
Discover 9 Attractions in a Surprising Resort Town, Sochi
Sochi is one of the fastest developing resorts in Europe, and we invite you to get to know this destination with 9 attractions that shouldn't be missed!
Come With Us as We Tour Portugal's Gorgeous Heritage Sites
In this article, we will introduce you to some of Portugal's most renowned and awe-inspiring World Heritage sites. I
Let's Visit: The Beautiful and Mystical Black Forest
The huge and mysterious Black Forest encompass hundreds of miles, and is one of the biggest forested areas in the world...
7 Cool Alleyways Where Street Art Takes Center Stage
In these cool alleyways, incredible artworks take the center stage.
This Scottish Viking Festival Is a Fiery Sight to Behold
Once a year, an epic Viking festival takes place in the Shetland Islands (170 km north of mainland Scotland). It really is a sight to behold!
Quirky Structures That Define Belgium's Uniqueness
Discover the eccentric side of Belgian architecture with these weird and hilarious buildings you won't believe actually exist.
This Man Ran a Marathon Every Single Day of the Year!
Meet Gary McKee, the man who ran 365 marathons in a year!
Want to Get Paid to Move to Italy or Spain? It's Possible!
Want to get paid to move to Italy, Spain, or Ireland? Yes, it’s possible!
7 Amazing Wonders of the World Nobody Told You About
It's not all about the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Giza, here are 7 amazing, ancient buildings that most of us have no idea about.
Meghalaya: An Indian State Blessed With Endless Beauty
Meghalaya is a beautiful state in the northeast corner of India, which is filled with numerous natural wonders and cultural excitements.
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.
The Netherlands Is a Country of the Future For 7 Reasons
The Netherlands is a country that others should emulate for a whole variety of reasons, not least these 7 we're about to show you in this article.
These Are the World's Most Stunning & Famous Opera Houses
Opera houses are iconic symbols of a city's cultural & financial status. They represent the pinnacle of high society and architectural achievement. Take a look.
10 of the Most Beautiful Places of Worship in the World
Houses of worship are often the most shining example of artistic architecture, and these are the most beautiful examples of that.