Broch of Gurness Orkney
Iron Age·Atlantic Iron Age·🇬🇧 Orkney, United Kingdom
About
About Broch of Gurness Orkney
Broch of Gurness Orkney at Orkney, United Kingdom is a Iron Age megalithic of the Atlantic Iron Age tradition, built c. 200 BCE for broch with external village and ditch. 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 mattersBroch of Gurness Orkney at Orkney, United Kingdom is a Iron Age megalithic of the Atlantic Iron Age tradition, built c. 200 BCE for broch with external village
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. 200 BCE
- Period
- Iron Age
- Culture
- Atlantic Iron Age
- Purpose
- Broch with external village and ditch
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 200 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation at Broch of Gurness Orkney
19th–20th century
Excavation and research at Broch of Gurness Orkney
On the ground
Structures & features
59.1250° N · 3.0800° W · 139 m · 4 mapped features
Broch of Gurness Orkney Main Megalithic Feature
megalithicPrimary megalithic feature at Broch of Gurness Orkney – central broch with external village and ditch element with stratified deposits
59.1251° N · 3.0800° WBroch of Gurness Orkney Secondary Enclosure
enclosureAncillary enclosure/wall line at Broch of Gurness Orkney defining settlement or ritual space
59.1249° N · 3.0799° WBroch of Gurness Orkney Outlier Rock Art Panel
rock artOutlier cup-mark/petroglyph panel linked to Broch of Gurness Orkney ceremonial landscape
59.1251° N · 3.0801° WBroch of Gurness Orkney Reservoir Cistern
hydraulicRock-cut cistern/reservoir for water management
59.1249° N · 3.0801° W