Midhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay
Neolithic·Orkney Neolithic·🇬🇧 Orkney, United Kingdom
About
About Midhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay
Midhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay at Orkney, United Kingdom is a Neolithic megalithic of the Orkney Neolithic tradition, built c. 3500 BCE for 23 m stalled cairn longest in orkney. 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 mattersMidhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay at Orkney, United Kingdom is a Neolithic megalithic of the Orkney Neolithic tradition, built c. 3500 BCE for 23 m stalled cairn l
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. 3500 BCE
- Period
- Neolithic
- Culture
- Orkney Neolithic
- Purpose
- 23 m stalled cairn longest in Orkney
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 3500 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation at Midhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay
19th–20th century
Excavation and research at Midhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay
On the ground
Structures & features
59.1580° N · 3.0960° W · 257 m · 4 mapped features
Midhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay Main Megalithic Feature
megalithicPrimary megalithic feature at Midhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay – central 23 m stalled cairn longest in orkney element with stratified deposits
59.1581° N · 3.0960° WMidhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay Secondary Enclosure
enclosureAncillary enclosure/wall line at Midhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay defining settlement or ritual space
59.1579° N · 3.0959° WMidhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay Outlier Rock Art Panel
rock artOutlier cup-mark/petroglyph panel linked to Midhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay ceremonial landscape
59.1581° N · 3.0961° WMidhowe Chambered Cairn Rousay Reservoir Cistern
hydraulicRock-cut cistern/reservoir for water management
59.1579° N · 3.0961° W