The Ness of Brodgar Excavation

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The Ness of Brodgar complex

Discovered in 2003, the Ness of Brodgar site has been under excavation since 2004, revealing a massive complex of monumental Neolithic buildings dating from the centuries around 3000BC.

Without parallel in Atlantic Europe, the Ness of Brodgar’s three hectares are filled with huge stone structures containing spectacular finds.

These have made the Ness one of the most important archaeological excavations in the world today, changing our understanding of the culture and beliefs of Neolithic Orkney and shining a new light on the prehistory of northern Europe.

The project is mainly funded through the generosity of the public through our two supporting charities, the Ness of Brodgar Trust and the American Friends.

The discovery of the Ness complex
About the Site

Structures

Structures Eleven and Nineteen

Structures Eleven and Nineteen during the third major phase of activity within Trench P. Around 2900BC, the southern half of Structure Eight had been removed, Structure Ten erected and Structures… Read more
Structures Twenty-One and Twenty-Nine

Structures

Structures Twenty-One and Twenty-Nine

Structures Twenty-One and Twenty-Nine in relation to the other piered buildings in Trench P. Structure Twenty-One The excavated section of Structure Twenty-One, adjacent to Structure One (top). Schematic showing the… Read more
Structure Sixteen (ORCA)

Structures

Structure Sixteen

Occupation Phase Two in Trench P, dating from c3100BC. Structure Sixteen is highlighted in red. The heavily truncated remains of Structure Sixteen sit directly to the south of Structure Fourteen… Read more
Structures Thirty-Six and Twenty Featured Image

Structures

Structures Twenty and Thirty-Six

The earliest phase of activity so far uncovered in Trench P, showing the location of Structures Thirty-Six and Twenty. Structure Twenty Built around 2900BC, Structure Ten was the last major… Read more