Part of the Stones of Stenness, Mainland, Orkney.
Construction of the Stones of Stenness has been shown by radiocarbon dating to have started by 3100 BC. There was originally a henge (ie a circular platform surrouded by a ditch and bank) but this has been almost removed by ploughing. There were up to 12 enormous standing stones (the tallest is over 6m high) which were probably erected over a considerable period of time, although it is possible that the circle was never completed. Four of these stones still stand (two were re-erected in 1906-7) each with a sharply angles top. The flat stone in the photograph was originally supported on the two adjacent stones to form a dolmen-like structure. It was dismantled in the 1970s with much debate about its authenticity - it is still unresolved whether it formed part of the original design.
Size: 4287px × 2848px
Location: Stones of Stenness, Mainland, Orkney
Photo credit: © SJ Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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