Landscapes for Neolithic People in Mainland, Orkney

Abstract Neolithic occupation of the Orkney Islands, in north Scotland, probably began mid fourth millennium cal BC, culminating a range settlements, including stone-built houses, varied tombs and two noteworthy stone circles. The environmental landscape context spectacular archaeology, however, remains poorly understood. We applied Multiple Scenario Approach (MSA) to pollen records from Mainland, Orkney, order understand land cover openness across timespan 4200–2200 BC. Interpreted within framework provided by Bayesian chronological modelling, 406 radiocarbon dates archaeological contexts further 103 palaeoenvironmental samples provide basis for first detailed reconstruction spatio-temporal patterns people their environment. Major alterations Mainland took place 3400 BC (reduction woodland 20% 10%) 3200 (increase disturbed 3% 30%). dramatic increase coincided with Grooved Ware phenomenon establishment settlements at Skara Brae Ness Brodgar. upturn signal disturbance communities record may indicate an amount used as pasture. This accords record, since Orcadian economy relied heavily on cattle subsistence. By 2800 core most appear have been ending, dispersing into wider landscape, MSA modelling indicates maintenance land, indeed subsequent slight increase, implying persistence human activity elsewhere Mainland. People exhausted themselves rather than land; that its resources endured, while intensive social relationships practices peak late could not be maintained.