Extraordinary Discovery: Ancient Scottish Tomb Reveals Astonishing Secrets of 5,000-Year-Old Skeletons
Rare 5,000-year-old tomb discovered on a Scottish Orkney Island, revealing ancient skeletons National Museums Scotland revealed the remarkable ruins, marking an extraordinary archaeological find
A statement released on Tuesday by National Museums Scotland revealed that the excavation at Holm, East Mainland, Orkney has uncovered the ruins of an extremely rare tomb dating back 5,000 years. The stone structure, accessed through a passage measuring 7 meters (23 feet) in length, and traces of a cairn that would have covered it, demonstrate the exceptional Neolithic engineering skills found in northern Britain.
In one of the six smaller side cells that surrounded a large stone chamber, a total of fourteen articulated skeletons of men, women, and children, along with various other human remains, were unearthed. According to Hugo Anderson-Whymark, excavation co-director and senior curator of prehistory (Neolithic) at National Museums Scotland, this Neolithic site would have been a remarkable mound measuring 15 meters in diameter, boasting impressive stonework and architecture. Anderson-Whymark further describes the side cells as remarkable engineering feats.
Archaeologists have discovered a 2,300-year-old tomb in Israel that possibly holds the remains of a Greek courtesan. Among the intriguing findings are two skeletons found in an embrace, with two children placed above their heads. The exact relationship between these individuals is still unknown.
Archaeologist Vicki Cummings, co-director of the excavation and head of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University, expressed amazement at the preservation of numerous human remains within one section of the monument. This is particularly remarkable considering that the stone has largely been stolen for construction purposes. Cummings further commented on the rarity of such tomb deposits, even in well-preserved chambered tombs. She believes that these remains will provide valuable insights into various aspects of the lives of these ancient people.
The tomb was largely destroyed in the 18th or 19th century to build a nearby farmhouse.
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There are only 12 other tombs similar to this one known to exist in Orkney. These tombs, referred to as Maes Howe-type passage graves, can still be seen in the landscape, unlike this recent discovery that was buried beneath the ground.
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The site was extensively damaged during either the late 18th or early 19th century when stones were extracted for constructing a farmhouse. However, limited excavations conducted in 1896 revealed the presence of eight skeletons, leading local historian James Walls Cursiter to propose the theory that it might be the remains of a ruined tomb.
Further information found in a set of papers stored in a private collection of Cursiter's notes provided additional hints that enabled archaeologists to conduct a geophysical survey. This survey aimed to identify the exact location of the potential tomb, forming the foundation for subsequent excavation work.
Anderson-Whymark expressed disbelief at the discovery, stating that although it appears to be nothing more than a serene meadow today, the site was once a grand tomb of monumental significance. The limited remains that have been preserved are considered a stroke of good fortune. Don't miss out on the Wonder Theory science newsletter by CNN, which offers captivating updates on the universe, including astonishing discoveries and scientific progress.
