Blackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay
Neolithic·Orkney Neolithic·🇬🇧 Orkney, United Kingdom
About
About Blackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay
Blackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay at Orkney, United Kingdom is a Neolithic megalithic of the Orkney Neolithic tradition, built c. 3200 BCE for 13 m stalled cairn 7 compartments. Stratified excavations, geophysics and radiocarbon document architectural phasing and mortuary/domestic contexts. The site comprises a principal enclosure/mound/platform with ancillary features indicating ritual aggregation and early farming community. Peer-reviewed plans and heritage protection in place.
Why it mattersBlackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay at Orkney, United Kingdom is a Neolithic megalithic of the Orkney Neolithic tradition, built c. 3200 BCE for 13 m stalled cai
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Landscape function
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Territorial marker
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3200 BCE
- Period
- Neolithic
- Culture
- Orkney Neolithic
- Purpose
- 13 m stalled cairn 7 compartments
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 3200 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation at Blackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay
19th–20th century
Excavation and research at Blackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay
On the ground
Structures & features
59.1450° N · 3.0580° W · 489 m · 3 mapped features
Blackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay Main Megalithic Feature
megalithicPrimary megalithic feature at Blackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay – central 13 m stalled cairn 7 compartments element with stratified deposits
59.1450° N · 3.0579° WBlackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay Secondary Enclosure
enclosureAncillary enclosure/wall line at Blackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay defining settlement or ritual space
59.1449° N · 3.0579° WBlackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay Outlier Rock Art Panel
rock artOutlier cup-mark/petroglyph panel linked to Blackhammer Chambered Cairn Rousay ceremonial landscape
59.1451° N · 3.0581° W