Posted on 10/06/2015 11:05:35 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Archaeologists in Orkney have uncovered the remains of over 30 buildings dating from around 4000 BC to 1000 BC, together with field systems, middens and cemeteries. The find includes a very rare Bronze Age building which experts believed could have been a sauna or steam house, which may have been built for ritual purposes.
EASE Archaeology recently made the exciting discovery on the periphery of the prehistoric Links of Noltland, on the island of Westray in Orkney, next to where the famous ‘Westray Wife’ was found in 2009, which is believed to be the earliest depiction of a human face in Britain...
The early analysis work suggested that the building is likely to be a ‘burnt mound’, which generally comprises of a fireplace, water tank and a pile of burnt stone. Through experimentation and reference to medieval Irish literature, experts have been able to deduce that stones were roasted on a hearth before being placed into the tank of water, bringing the water to a boiling point and producing lots of steam.
The hot water could then be used to cook large quantities of food or for bathing, brewing, textile working, or any other of a range of activities.
The hidden nature of the building together with its restricted access and tightly packed cells, suggest that it served a more specialised function than most burnt mounds and that rather than being a gathering place for the many, it would have been used by a more select group, and likely used a sauna or steam house...
Although lying undiscovered for thousands of years, these incredible structures have been exposed by the effects of natural erosion in recent years, and with the impending threat to its survival, Historic Scotland decided it was time to investigate these remains in greater detail.
(Excerpt) Read more at historic-scotland.gov.uk ...
Pure speculation. Up late again are you?
You say Orkney, I say Highland Park....slante.
Pure troll behavior.
I sure hope you’re not as much of a dick when you sober up.
I heard they also found a bronze statue of man leaning over - hands on his knees with an uncanny resemblance to Odunga.
A typical liberal, evade the question, attack the individual. I can play your game all day long.
I hope you’re not as much of a dick when you sober up.
How about the ritual of trying to stay warm in the Orkneys?
I sure hope you’re not as much of a dick when you sober up.
Westray ‘sauna’ one of top ten archaeological discoveries of 2015
http://www.orcadian.co.uk/2016/01/westray-sauna-one-of-top-ten-archaeological-discoveries-of-2015/
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