How has Skara Brae helped us understand more about how people in Britain lived 5000 years ago? - Worksheet
History Resource Description
Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic settlement in Orkney, Scotland, offers a unique window into the lives of people in Britain 5000 years ago. Its discovery and excavation have provided archaeologists and historians with concrete evidence of domestic life during the Neolithic period. From the layout of the houses to the objects found within, Skara Brae helps us understand the daily activities, living conditions, and societal structures of its inhabitants. We can say with certainty that the people of Skara Brae lived in stone-built homes, with evidence of furniture such as beds and dressers, indicating a settled lifestyle with a sense of home and community.
The transition from the Stone Age to the end of the Iron Age in Britain saw significant changes, and Skara Brae plays a crucial role in helping us piece together the early part of this timeline. By examining the artefacts and the settlement's structure, we can infer certain aspects of the Neolithic way of life, although there remain uncertainties due to the passage of time. Alongside Skara Brae, other archaeological findings and sites have contributed to building a more comprehensive picture of the Stone Age period, shedding light on the evolution of human society, technology, and culture throughout the ages in Britain.