Skara Brae Outbuilding 8
Skara Brae Outbuilding 8 North Annex · Skara Site
Multi-period (4000 BCE–1000 CE)·Multi-period·🇬🇧 Orkney, Bay of Skaill, United Kingdom
About
About Skara Brae Outbuilding 8
Skara Brae Outbuilding 8 in Orkney, Bay of Skaill, United Kingdom is a Multi-period (4000 BCE–1000 CE) archaeological wonder attributed to Multi-period. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal site extent 150 × 90 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 59.0480N -3.3430E controls access to Orkney resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey archaeological wonder for Orkney, Bay of Skaill, illustrating Multi-period 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. 2000 BCE
- Period
- Multi-period (4000 BCE–1000 CE)
- Culture
- Multi-period
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and residential complex
- Rediscovered
- 1966 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2000 BCE
Initial construction of Skara Brae Outbuilding 8 main structure
c. 1906
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1966–2011
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Skara Brae Outbuilding 8) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
59.0480° N · 3.3430° W · 122 m · 4 mapped features
Skara Brae Outbuilding 8 — Main Structure
structurePrincipal archaeological wonder — Site extent 150 × 90 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
59.0488° N · 3.3421° WSkara Brae Outbuilding 8 — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
59.0470° N · 3.3437° WSkara Brae Outbuilding 8 — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
59.0495° N · 3.3418° WSkara Brae Outbuilding 8 — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
59.0464° N · 3.3441° W