The Ring of Brodgar, located near Stromness in Orkney, United Kingdom, is a prehistoric stone circle and henge that dates back to the late Neolithic period. It is one of the largest and best-preserved stone circles in the British Isles, with a diameter of approximately 104 meters (341 feet). The site originally comprised up to 60 standing stones, of which 27 remain today. The Ring of Brodgar is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the nearby Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, and the Skara Brae settlement. This ancient monument is thought to have been used for ceremonial or ritual purposes, though its exact function remains a mystery.
Skara Brae, located near the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, is one of the best-preserved Neolithic settlements in Europe. Often referred to as the "Scottish Pompeii" due to its exceptional state of preservation, Skara Brae was occupied from roughly 3180 BCE to about 2500 BCE. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of prehistoric people, featuring a complex of well-built stone houses, complete with furniture such as beds, dressers, and storage boxes, all meticulously crafted from stone.
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