Dun Beag broch north west Isle of Skye overlooking Loch Bracadale Highland Scotland UK SCO 2271
The remains of Dun Beag are the lower leves of what was once a circular tower like fort, perhaps 10 feet tall. Such forts were called Brochs and were built in large numbers throughout north and west Scotland and the Isles during the last centuries BC and first AD. They are well designed, and almost standardised, variety of the even more common small forts or duns. These were erected by almost every small family or community as defensive purposes during very troubled times. Brochs were designed and consructed to protect the occupants from being killed or captured and from being forced into slavery. They provided a fairly effective defense against a short attack from a small force, but would have been captured easily by an enemy of greatly superior numbers or resources to mount a seige. Possessions were more difficult to protect. At this time most wealth took the form of cattle which, at the time of attack could not quickly be moved inside the broch so it has been concluded that they were primarily to protect the occupants life and liberty. When intact the broch would have been a stout tower with a single narrow entrance leading into a circular courtyary between hollow walls At Dun Beag the entrance passages with a setting for a door survives, as does the lower level of the walls, including the start of a stair leading upwards towards the vanished wallhead. Wooden buildings within the courtyard would have housed the inhabitants, while the hollow stone walls, divided into long, narrow, galleries, provided storeage space. The people who built the brochs were Celtic inhabitants of the region before the advent of the Scots (from Ireland) and long before the Norse settlers from Scandinavia. SCO 2271
Size: 5620px × 3733px
Location: Dun Beag Broch Isle of Skye Highland Region Scotland
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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