Skara Brae is a Neolithic settlement located on the Mainland of Orkney, Scotland. It is one of the best-preserved prehistoric villages in Northern Europe and offers valuable insights into the daily life of Neolithic communities. Skara Brae dates back to approximately 3100 BCE, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Key features and facts about Skara Brae:

1. Discovery:
   • Skara Brae was uncovered by a storm in 1850 when a large mound covering the village was eroded, revealing the stone structures beneath. The site was further excavated in the 1920s.
2. Location:
   • Skara Brae is situated on the west coast of Mainland, the largest island in the Orkney archipelago. It is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Stone Structures:
   • The settlement consists of a cluster of stone-built structures linked by covered passageways. The buildings are made of local sandstone and are remarkably well-preserved.
4. Houses and Furniture:
   • The houses at Skara Brae are small, single-room structures with stone furniture, including beds, cupboards, and hearths. The furniture is integrated into the stone walls.
5. Central Hearth:
   • Each house has a central hearth, suggesting the importance of communal cooking and warmth. The hearths were likely used for both practical and ritualistic purposes.
6. Storage Areas:
   • The houses contain storage alcoves and containers for holding food and personal belongings. The design reflects an organized and practical approach to daily life.
7. Passageways:
   • Passageways connect the houses and provide access to the outside. Some passageways may have served as communal spaces or workshops.
8. Skara Brae’s Age:
   • Skara Brae is estimated to be around 5,000 years old, dating back to the Neolithic period. It predates the construction of Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt.
9. Worked Bone and Stone Artifacts:
   • Archaeologists discovered a variety of artifacts, including tools made from bone and stone, pottery, and items made from animal bones. These artifacts provide insights into the daily activities and skills of the inhabitants.
10. Sea Views:
    • The location of Skara Brae near the coast suggests that the inhabitants had a connection to the sea. Fishing and marine resources may have played a significant role in their subsistence.
11. Abandonment:
    • The reasons for the abandonment of Skara Brae are not fully understood. Changes in climate, sea level, or other environmental factors are among the hypotheses.
12. Visitor Center:
    • Skara Brae is open to the public, and there is a visitor center nearby that provides information about the site, its history, and the archaeological discoveries.

Skara Brae is a remarkable archaeological site that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Neolithic people. Its well-preserved structures provide a tangible link to the distant past, and the site is an important component of Scotland’s cultural heritage.