Knap of Howar Papa Westray
Early Neolithic·Orcadian Neolithic·🇬🇧 Orkney, United Kingdom
About
About Knap of Howar Papa Westray
Knap of Howar Papa Westray at Orkney, United Kingdom is a Early Neolithic ancient village of the Orcadian Neolithic tradition, built c. 3700 BCE for oldest standing houses in nw europe. 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 mattersKnap of Howar Papa Westray at Orkney, United Kingdom is a Early Neolithic ancient village of the Orcadian Neolithic tradition, built c. 3700 BCE for oldest stan
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. 3700 BCE
- Period
- Early Neolithic
- Culture
- Orcadian Neolithic
- Purpose
- Oldest standing houses in NW Europe
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 3700 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation at Knap of Howar Papa Westray
19th–20th century
Excavation and research at Knap of Howar Papa Westray
On the ground
Structures & features
59.3480° N · 2.9040° W · 60 m · 4 mapped features
- Knap of Howar Papa Westray Main Ancient-Village Featureancient villagePrimary ancient-village feature at Knap of Howar Papa Westray – central oldest standing houses in nw europe element with stratified deposits59.3481° N · 2.9040° W
- Knap of Howar Papa Westray Secondary EnclosureenclosureAncillary enclosure/wall line at Knap of Howar Papa Westray defining settlement or ritual space59.3479° N · 2.9039° W
- Knap of Howar Papa Westray Outlier Rock Art Panelrock artOutlier cup-mark/petroglyph panel linked to Knap of Howar Papa Westray ceremonial landscape59.3481° N · 2.9041° W
- Knap of Howar Papa Westray Reservoir CisternhydraulicRock-cut cistern/reservoir for water management59.3479° N · 2.9041° W
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