Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn

Why it mattersKey Orcadian Neolithic 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. 3150 BCE

Period

Neolithic (c.3150–2500 BCE)

Culture

Orcadian Neolithic

Purpose

Orkney-Cromarty stalled cairn — communal burial with famous eagle talons deposit

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1989

Excavation

Excavated

1. c. 3150 BCE

   Initial construction / first occupation at Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn

2. c. 1500 BCE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn

3. 2005 excavation

   Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn

• Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn — Principal Standing Stonestanding stonestanding stone at Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn — outlier feature58.7470° N · 2.9428° W
• 
  Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn — Northern Chamberchamberchamber at Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn — hydraulic feature58.7478° N · 2.9458° W
• Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn — Southern Cairncairncairn at Tomb of the Eagles — Isbister Chambered Cairn — primary structure58.7488° N · 2.9421° W