Skara Brae Orkney Islands - stock photo

In 1850 storm hit the Orkney Islands blowing away the sand at Skara Brae and exposed to the world a prehistoric site. It was discovered that the cluster of houses dated back to 3180 BC. It was unearthed and became Europe's most complete neolithic village. It is Older than Stonehenge and the great pyramids. The prehistoric houses are built from stone slabs and consist of one room connected together by covered passageways Crop remains, bones and tools found at the site show that the occupiers were not only hunters and fisherman, but expert farmers as well. Jewellery, needles, buttons and well crafted pottery have been found at the site, indicating the occupants were creative. It seems that the village was abandoned around 2500 BC. The actual cause is not known. One theory is that a sandstorm hit the village. And another theory the occupants decided to leave to seek pastures a new and relocate to a more productive area. Neolithic Orkney was classed in 1999 as a UNESCO world Heritage site. It is now under the care of Historic Scotland.