Ring of Brodgar
 Ring of Brodgar by Shadowgate
Holding the distinction as the third largest henge in Britain, the Ring of Brodgar takes its place among the great monoliths of the ancient world. 27 remaining massive stones stand on end in a circular pattern that is 104 metres (341 feet) in diameter. Henges were not usually constructed in a circle, making the Ring of Brodgar a valuable exception to the rule.
Situated on Orkney between the Stenness Loch and Harray Loch, it is believed the the giant stones were put on end sometime between 2,500 and 2,000 BC, making it the last monolith constructed in the Ness region. Residents originally dug a huge circular ditch in the Sandstone to hold the heavy stones upright. The giant circle was built in sections, though it isn’t clear how long it took to complete the full project. This ring is one of several such structures built around the same time that seem to be connected in their ritualistic significance. Within the two square miles around the Ring of Brodgar, archeologists have also discovered two circle hedges, four tomb chambers, mounds, cairns, and standing stones. The area has also produced stone mace heads and flint arrowheads that date to the Bronze Age. All of this combined makes the Ring of Brodgar a very important archeological site. |
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