Skara Brae, Europe’s Most Complete Stone Age Village Was Revealed by a Deadly Storm

During the winter of 1850, a powerful storm struck Scotland, causing extensive destruction and resulting in over 200 fatalities. In the Bay of Skaill, the storm swept away layers of earth from a large, uneven mound, unearthing a remarkable secret that had been buried beneath the earth for thousands of years.

As waves crashed against the shore and wind whipped across the landscape, layers of sand and earth gradually fell away, exposing something astonishing: buried beneath the soil lay a perfectly preserved Stone Age village that predates both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. This 5,000-year-old settlement, later named Skara Brae (derived from Skerrabra or Styerrabrae, which originally referred to the mound) and also known as “Scotland’s Pompeii,” offers an unparalleled glimpse into daily life during the Neolithic period.

What makes Skara Brae truly special is the remarkable state of its preservation. Eight stone houses, connected by covered passageways, survived intact beneath the earth for millennia. The structures tell a fascinating story of innovation and adaptation.

skara brae neolithic settlement orkney islands 2b
Inside one of the ruins at Skara Brae, with evidence of home furnishings. Photo: Webber

Built partially underground and surrounded by mounds of domestic waste called middens, the homes were naturally insulated against Orkney’s harsh climate. Each dwelling measured about 40 square meters (430 square feet), featuring a central hearth and – most surprisingly – stone furniture that has endured through the ages.

The village’s sophistication becomes apparent in its architectural details. Each house followed a standard layout, with large stone dressers prominently positioned opposite the entrance – perhaps used to display prized possessions. The homes contained stone beds of different sizes, with the larger ones typically placed on the right side of the doorway, believed to belong to the head of household. Some beds even had stone pillars that might have supported fur canopies.

skara brae neolithic settlement orkney islands 3
Inside a replica house that shows how an interior probably looked like in ancient times. Photo: Reading Tom

One of the most striking aspects of Skara Brae is its advanced infrastructure. The settlement boasted a primitive sewage system, complete with drains in each house that carried waste out to the ocean. The homes’ entrances featured sophisticated door mechanisms, with stone slab doors that could be secured using bars made from animal bones.

The artifacts found at Skara Brae paint a vivid picture of daily life around 3200-2500 BCE. The villagers were skilled craftspeople who created tools from bone, stone, and antler. They made jewelry from animal teeth and walrus ivory, including remarkable ivory pins up to 25 centimeters long.

skara brae neolithic settlement orkney islands 6
Carved stone found in Skara Brae. Photo: Inisheer

The discovery of seed grains indicates that the inhabitants grew barley, while abundant fish bones and shells reveal they supplemented their diet with seafood. They kept cattle, pigs, and sheep, and used distinctive grooved pottery.

One building, known as House 8, stands apart from the others. With thick walls and lacking the typical furniture, it appears to have been a workshop. Evidence of heat-damaged volcanic rocks and what looks like a flue suggests it might have been used for crafting tools.

skara brae neolithic settlement orkney islands 7
House 8 is different from the rest of the buildings and might have functioned as a workshop. Photo: Wknight94

The village has yielded some intriguing mysteries as well. Carved stone balls found at the site bear spiral decorations similar to those found in Ireland’s Boyne Valley, hinting at cultural connections across the sea. Red ochre discovered in the village suggests the inhabitants might have practiced body painting, while polished haematite nodules indicate leather working.

    Stay part of the Mission! Get our latest articles to your inbox!

    The end of Skara Brae’s occupation came around 2500 BCE, when the climate became significantly colder and wetter. While some researchers have suggested a dramatic end involving a sudden storm, others believe the abandonment was more gradual.

    skara brae neolithic settlement orkney islands 9
    Built partially underground and surrounded by mounds of domestic waste called middens, the homes were naturally insulated against Orkney’s harsh climate. Photo: summonedbyfells

    Today, Skara Brae faces new challenges. Climate change poses a serious threat to this UNESCO World Heritage site, with rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms putting the ancient village at risk. The site that was uncovered by a storm might ultimately be endangered by them, making its study and preservation all the more crucial for understanding our distant ancestors and their remarkably sophisticated way of life.

    Sources: 1, 2, 3

    Earthly Mission is done by two guys driven by the love for what we are doing. Please kindly consider keeping us going – every bit helps!

    DonateDonate
    Written by Tamás Varga
    Photo of author
    A sociologist and English major by degree, I've worked in the area of civil society & human rights and have been blogging in the fields of travel, nature & science for over 20 years.
    Earthly Mission
    error: