Maeshowe: The Ancient Meadow Mound of Orkney

Q: What is Maeshowe?

Maeshowe is a Neolithic chambered cairn in Orkney, Scotland.

Q: How old is Maeshowe?

Maeshowe dates to circa 3000-2800 BCE.

Q: What was the original purpose for Maeshowe?

The original purpose for Maeshowe is unknown but, as it is astronomically aligned, and has other features associated with religious ritual, it is understood to have been a sacred ritual site.

Q: When was Maeshowe first excavated?

Maeshowe was first excavated in 1861 by the antiquarian James Farrer.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

Maeshowe (pronounced `maze-ow' or `maze-oo') is a large Neolithic chambered cairn, dating from between 3000-2800 BCE, in the Stenness parish of Orkney, Scotland. According to Dr. Berit Sandnes, of Lund University, the name means "Meadow Mound" and comes from Old Scandinavian; the present location of both Maeshowe and the nearby site of the Maesquoy Standing Stones are thought to have originally been meadows.

More about: Maeshowe

Timeline

c. 3300 BCE - 2600 BCE
Neolithic site of Barnhouse Settlement occupied.
c. 3300 BCE - 2600 BCE
The Barnhouse Settlement constructed and inhabited.
2600 BCE
Structure Eight (so called) erected at Barnhouse Settlement after village abandoned.
2600 BCE
Barnhouse Settlement abandoned and partially destroyed by inhabitants.
2600 BCE
The building now known as Structure Eight raised in Barnhouse Settlement after village is abandoned.