Northern Exposure: investigating the end of the Neolithic in the north

This field-based research project will examine the end of the Neolithic in the north. Around c. 2400 calBC a number of Orcadian late Neolithic 'villages' are abandoned. This coincides with the introduction of Beakers further south, but early Beakers do not reach Orkney. Not only are the villages abandoned but house architecture changes with the construction of double-houses. This also provides linkage with Shetland. In the Outer Hebrides Beakers do appear at this time as do 'Beaker houses'. Are these changes a response to changing climatic conditions oo social transformation?

This field-based research project will examine the end of the Neolithic in the north. Around c. 2400 calBC a number of Orcadian late Neolithic 'villages' are abandoned.

Start date August 2017