The role of chance in the discovery of archaeological sites and portable finds is considerable. Farmers have often unearthed archaeological finds while plowing their fields, and accidental discovery by construction crews is common. Occasionally an amateur does make an important discovery, the further excavation of which can then be taken over by trained professionals. Such was the case at a small creek in Scotland. It may not seem particularly impressive at first, but one step inside and you will be amazed at what you see.
According to the experts, nearly a thousand years ago, this was a very important place, but it was later lost and buried under the sand. Nobody had a clue that this place ever existed, but when a terrible storm swept across, an incredible secret was revealed. Just on this green hillside, there is a very old underground city, perfectly preserved. The prehistoric settlement is called Skara Brae (SEE PHOTO).
Per reports, the location reportedly suffered from a severe storm that caused great devastation and more than 200 deaths. But along with the bad comes some good. Because when the storm had passed, the farmers nearby discovered a settlement in the sand. The settlement consists of eight stone houses and is estimated to be have been inhabited between 3180 and 2500 BC. Skara Brae is thus one of the oldest agricultural villages. Because the surrounding sand and the architecture of the buildings are well protected from cold, both the buildings and their contents have been remarkably preserved over the millennia. Archaeologists estimate that around 50-100 people lived in the village. Once the settlement was built, the houses were 1500 meters from the sea. Around the houses lay suitable pastures for the settlement (SEE PHOTO).
Now the sea has carved its way closer to the village and created a magnificent view. At its biggest, the settlement encompassed the seven or eight houses connected to each other via tunnels. Each residence could be closed off with a stone door. In each room there is always one bed that is bigger than the others, but nobody is sure why. Each room also has lockers, bureaus, seats and storage boxes. These storage boxes were built to be waterproof, indicating that they may have kept live seafood inside the houses, probably to eat later. One of the dwellings differs from the others. Here the archaeologists have not found any beds or other furniture. Skara Brae was a society made up of families. Nobody knows why the village was abandoned. But around 2500 BC climate change caused the weather to be colder and more humid.
