Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness

Why it mattersKey Unstan Ware megalithic with stratified sequence and regional typology.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c. 3450 BCE

Period

Mid Neolithic (3450–2800 BCE)

Culture

Unstan Ware

Purpose

Type-site of Unstan Ware — stalled cairn with distinctive round-bottom bowls

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1979

Excavation

Excavated

1. c. 3450 BCE

   Initial construction / first occupation at Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness

2. 1890 excavation

   Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness

3. c. 1200 BCE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness

• Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness — Principal Standing Stone

  standing stone

  standing stone at Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness — primary structure

  58.9958° N · 3.2667° W

• Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness — Northern Chamber

  chamber

  chamber at Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness — outlier feature

  58.9941° N · 3.2677° W

• Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness — Cairn Annex 3

  cairn

  cairn at Unstan Chambered Cairn Stenness — outlier feature

  58.9948° N · 3.2642° W