Callanish II Stone Circle
Callanish II Stone Circle North Annex · Callanish Site
Late Neolithic (3500–2600 BCE)·Late Neolithic·🇬🇧 Outer Hebrides, Lewis, Callanish, United Kingdom
About
About Callanish II Stone Circle
Callanish II Stone Circle in Outer Hebrides, Lewis, Callanish, United Kingdom is a Late Neolithic (3500–2600 BCE) megalithic attributed to Late Neolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal chamber 6 × 2 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 58.1980N -6.7450E controls access to Outer Hebrides resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey megalithic for Outer Hebrides, Lewis, Callanish, illustrating Late Neolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 3300–2800 BCE
- Period
- Late Neolithic (3500–2600 BCE)
- Culture
- Late Neolithic
- Purpose
- Collective burial and territorial marker for agro-pastoral community
- Rediscovered
- 1968 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 3300–2800 BCE
Initial construction of Callanish II Stone Circle main structure
c. 1908
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1968–2013
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Callanish II Stone Circle) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
58.1980° N · 6.7450° W · 136 m · 4 mapped features
Callanish II Stone Circle — Main Structure
structurePrincipal megalithic — Chamber 6 × 2 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
58.1988° N · 6.7441° WCallanish II Stone Circle — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
58.1970° N · 6.7457° WCallanish II Stone Circle — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with cup marks and alignment
58.1995° N · 6.7438° WCallanish II Stone Circle — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
58.1964° N · 6.7461° W