The Ness of Brodgar is a Neolithic Age site discovered in 2002 CE through a geophysical survey of the area of land in Stenness in Orkney, Scotland, which separates the salt water Stenness Loch from the fresh water Harray Loch. Excavation of the site, which covers 6.2 acres (2.5 hectares), began in 2003 CE, when a stone slab was ploughed up north of the site, and is ongoing with only 10% of the area excavated as of 2012 CE. This site is considered one of the most important finds in recent archaeology as it pre-dates both Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, dating from around 3500 BCE (the pyramids date from c. 2560 BCE and Stonehenge from c. 3000-2400 BCE). Perhaps more importantly, this site provides a context for other famous Neolithic sites in the surrounding area, particularly the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness. The Ness of Brodgar is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 3500 BCEThe vast stone complex known as the Ness of Brodgar in use in Orkney.
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c. 3300 BCE - 2600 BCEThe Barnhouse Settlement constructed and inhabited.
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c. 3000 BCEThe Standing Stones of Stenness erected south of Ness of Brodgar.
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c. 3000 BCE - c. 2800 BCEThe Neolithic chambered cairn known as Maeshowe constructed and in use.
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2600 BCEStructure Eight (so called) erected at Barnhouse Settlement after village abandoned.
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c. 2500 BCE - c. 2000 BCERing of Brodgar constructed on Orkney, north of Ness of Brodgar.
