Scotch Broch (Applecross, Wester Ross, near Skye, Highlands) | S13E13 | Time Team

Time Team Classics・2 minutes read

Archaeological exploration led by Nick Goldthorpe in Scotland uncovers potential Iron Age brock with two concentric walls, corridors, and staircases, prompting varying expert opinions on the structure's purpose. Despite challenges and uncertainties, evidence points to a sophisticated architectural design with symbols of Iron Age activity, highlighting the brock's significance as a monumental structure in the region.

Insights

  • The archaeological exploration led by Nick Goldthorpe on the Applecross Peninsula in Scotland has uncovered a potential two-thousand-year-old tower believed to be a brock, a unique Iron Age stone tower with concentric circular walls and a central corridor, showcasing the presence of inner and outer walls despite challenges in confirming the structure's exact layout and function.
  • Evidence from the excavation, including internal walls, a midden, glass beads, pottery dating back to 200 BC, and architectural features like stairs and corridors, suggests a sophisticated design for the 18-meter diameter tower, possibly serving as a high-status brock with theories ranging from a sanctuary to a monumental farmhouse, highlighting its significance as a focal point in the area's long settlement history and Iron Age activity.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Applecross Peninsula known for?

    Archaeological exploration led by Nick Goldthorpe.

  • What challenges does the team face during the excavation?

    Stony landscape and an 11,000-volt power line.

  • What evidence suggests the presence of a brock?

    Outer walls in multiple trenches.

  • What is the significance of the glass bead found on-site?

    Suggests an Iron Age context.

  • What theories exist regarding the purpose of the brock?

    Sanctuary or monumental farmhouse.

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Ancient Structures on Applecross Peninsula

  • The Applecross Peninsula in Scotland, with Rona, Rasay, and Skye in the backdrop, is the setting for an archaeological exploration led by Nick Goldthorpe.
  • Nick has lived on the site for over 30 years and is intrigued by the ancient structures present, particularly a potential two-thousand-year-old tower.
  • The team has three days to excavate the site, which is challenging due to the stony landscape and an 11,000-volt power line overhead.
  • The site is believed to contain a brock, an Iron Age stone tower unique to Scotland, with two concentric circular walls and a central corridor.
  • Despite the stony terrain, the team uncovers possible wall structures that align with the brock's design, indicating the presence of an inner wall, outer wall, and corridor.
  • The discovery of outer walls in multiple trenches suggests the presence of a brock, but later findings reveal that some walls may be from a later structure using reused stones.
  • The team faces challenges in identifying the exact layout of the brock, with varying opinions from experts on the site's features and potential functions.
  • The search for evidence of Iron Age agriculture around the tower is crucial, as reliable dating materials like pottery shards are scarce in Scottish Iron Age sites.
  • Excavations reveal rectangular structures near the tower, possibly external buildings, prompting the team to open a long trench to investigate further.
  • Despite progress in uncovering potential wall structures and outer features, the team remains cautious in confirming the presence of a brock, highlighting the complexity of interpreting archaeological sites.

15:15

Uncovering Scotland's Mysterious Brock Structure

  • The team is uncertain if the structure they found is a brock, unique to Scotland, but they suspect it might be.
  • Despite the not-so-sunny weather, the team camps on-site in Applecross, Scotland, inspired by the rugged beauty.
  • The experts have varying opinions on the purpose and design of the structure, with some suggesting it could be a high-status brock.
  • To qualify as a brock, a structure needs two concentric outer walls with staircases and corridors, matching the geophysics.
  • Evidence suggests the structure could be a substantial tower, possibly a brock, with a diameter of 18 meters.
  • The team closes one trench and extends another, uncovering potential internal walls and a corridor.
  • The search for dating evidence leads to a potential midden, but nothing definitively from the Scottish Iron Age.
  • Stones in the landscape hint at evidence of Iron Age agriculture, possibly related to the construction of brocks.
  • A glass bead found on-site suggests an Iron Age context, solidifying the team's belief in the era of the brocks.
  • The team faces challenges due to inclement weather, hindering their progress in uncovering the structure's full design and purpose.

31:14

Stone tower reveals ancient archaeology mysteries.

  • The diggers are back on site, uncovering a stone tower that reveals recognizable archaeology.
  • Evidence suggests the tower had separate inner and outer walls, with a midden within the structure.
  • The structure is 18 meters in diameter, constructed from two thick dry stone walls.
  • The area's isolation is noted, with historical traffic from Northern Ireland through the straits.
  • Place names imply long settlement history, with evidence of earlier activity outside the tower.
  • Potential iron age structures are identified on the ridge, including a wheelhouse and a hearth for metalworking.
  • Pottery dating back to 200 BC is found, indicating contemporaneous activity with the brock.
  • Steps leading to higher galleries within the brock are uncovered, revealing a sophisticated architectural design.
  • The brock's purpose remains uncertain, with theories suggesting it served as a sanctuary or a monumental farmhouse.
  • The complexity and labor involved in constructing the brock highlight its significance as a focal point in the area.

46:16

"Prehistoric site uncovered by dedicated diggers"

  • Structures visible by day three due to hard work from diggers in challenging conditions
  • Corridors, stairs, and massive walls revealed, key elements of a brock, a significant prehistoric architectural site in Britain
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