農夫が地面にドアを発見、そこで見たものは皆を驚かせた
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00:00Wow, this is great. Tell me about this place.
00:03This is a burial chamber. On winter solstice, at sunset,
00:07the sun streams through this position here and illuminates the back chamber.
00:12And how Neolithic man managed to build this structure, no one really knows.
00:17In the heart of Scotland's Orkney Islands, a farmer's routine day turned extraordinary
00:22with the discovery of a hidden door in the ground.
00:26What lay beyond this entrance would captivate and amaze all,
00:30unveiling a chapter of ancient history long buried beneath the earth.
00:35The storm that revealed history, the Orkney Islands, a windswept archipelago in northern
00:40Scotland, are no strangers to the whims of nature. Here, the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea,
00:47creating a climate that is as unpredictable as it is unforgiving.
00:52It was against this backdrop of rugged natural beauty and harsh weather that an extraordinary
00:56discovery was made in the winter of 1850, a discovery that would peel back the layers
01:02of time to reveal a glimpse into Scotland's ancient past.
01:06In December of that year, a storm unlike any other in living memory swept across the islands.
01:11Known for their stormy winters, the people of Orkney were accustomed to the forces of nature.
01:16However, this storm was different. It brought with it winds of such ferocity and tides so high
01:23that they reshaped the very landscape they battered. Homes were damaged, livestock lost,
01:28and the people of Orkney were left to count the cost of nature's fury.
01:32Yet as the storm abated and the islanders began the process of recovery,
01:36something remarkable was uncovered. In the west of the Orkney archipelago, amidst the devastation,
01:42a local farmer stumbled upon what appeared to be a doorway leading into the ground.
01:47This was no ordinary find. It was the beginning of a journey into the past that would capture
01:52the imagination of the world. The door, revealed by the shifting sands and earth upturned by the
01:57storm's violence, was an entrance to a subterranean passage lost to time.
02:02The local community, already dealing with the aftermath of the storm,
02:06was intrigued by this discovery. With the land around them scarred by floods and landslides,
02:12this doorway offered a momentary distraction, a mystery to solve when answers to their immediate
02:18troubles seemed so elusive. The Orkney Islands, formed by the movements of ancient glaciers,
02:23are a landscape of stark cliffs and deep lochs. The climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream,
02:29is milder than other regions at similar latitudes. But still, the islands are often at the mercy of
02:34the elements. This unique combination of geography and weather has shaped the life on
02:39the islands for millennia. It was this same combination that led to the discovery of the
02:44underground door, as the forces of nature conspired to reveal secrets hidden for thousands of years.
02:50The initial exploration of the site was cautious. The islanders, aware they were on the cusp of
02:55something significant, began to excavate the area around the door. Without the means or
03:00knowledge to conduct a formal archaeological dig. Their efforts were rudimentary, but driven
03:05by a sense of wonder and a connection to the land that sustained them. What they found was a network
03:12of tunnels and chambers that hinted at a complex society that once thrived in this remote part of
03:17Scotland. This discovery was just the beginning. The underground door opened up a world that
03:23challenged the islanders' understanding of their own history. It was a window into an age long gone,
03:29preserved beneath the Orkney soil. The storm of 1850, as destructive as it was,
03:36had inadvertently bridged the present with the past, inviting the modern world to explore the
03:41ancient. As word of the find spread beyond the islands, the significance of the discovery began
03:46to dawn on a wider audience. Here, in the remote Orkney Islands, was evidence of a past civilization
03:53waiting to be explored. The local farmers who first uncovered the door could not have imagined
03:59the extent to which their discovery would captivate historians, archaeologists, and the
04:04public imagination. The Orkney Islands. A land of legends and mysteries. Perched on the edge
04:11of the North Sea, where the Atlantic Ocean's waves crash against rugged cliffs, the Orkney
04:16Islands are a tapestry woven with tales of mystery and legend. This archipelago, comprised of around
04:2270 islands, of which only 20 are inhabited, is a place where history and folklore are
04:28inextricably intertwined, creating a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years.
04:36Geographically, Orkney stands as a sentinel at the northernmost frontier of Scotland,
04:41separated from the mainland by the tumultuous waters of the Pentland Firth.
04:45This strategic position has made the islands a crucial hub for maritime activities throughout
04:50history, from the Neolithic traders and Viking raiders to modern fishermen and energy companies
04:55harnessing the power of wind and wave. The landscape of Orkney is a stark contrast of
05:01gentle, rolling hills, dramatic sea cliffs, and deep, wide skies that have inspired generations
05:07of artists and writers. The historical background of Orkney is as diverse and
05:12fascinating as its landscape. The islands have been inhabited for at least 8,500 years,
05:18initially by Mesolithic and Neolithic tribes who left behind a legacy of remarkable stone
05:23monuments, such as the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stennis.
05:28These ancient sites, older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza, have puzzled
05:33historians and archaeologists for centuries. Their precise purpose remains a subject of debate,
05:39though they are thought to have served religious or astronomical functions.
05:43The discovery of the underground door and the subsequent unearthing of a hidden settlement
05:48added a new chapter to Orkney's already mysterious past. This find was particularly sensational
05:54because it seemed to offer tangible links to the island's Neolithic inhabitants,
05:58providing a direct window into the lives of people who had walked these lands over 5,000 years ago.
06:04For a place already steeped in legends of ancient magic and mystical power,
06:08the discovery was more than just an archaeological milestone. It was a revelation that connected the
06:14modern Orkney community with their deep, enigmatic roots.
06:18The cultural lore of Orkney is a blend of Norse and Scottish influences, a legacy of the island's
06:23history of Norse rule until they were pledged to Scotland in the 15th century as part of a
06:28royal dowry. This melding of cultures is evident in the place names, folklore, and traditions that
06:34survive to this day. Tales of sea monsters, hidden treasures, and spectral apparitions are commonplace,
06:40with each island having its own collection of stories passed down through generations.
06:45This backdrop of myth and legend made the discovery of the underground door all the more
06:49thrilling. To the people of Orkney, it was as if one of their own tales had come to life,
06:54offering a bridge to the ancient world that so deeply influences their cultural identity.
06:59The possibility that the newly discovered settlement could unlock secrets of the past,
07:04perhaps even explaining some of the mysteries that have long captivated the imaginations of
07:09locals and visitors alike, was a source of immense excitement and pride. Moreover, the
07:15island's mysterious past, combined with their geographical isolation, has imbued the Orkney
07:20community with a strong sense of place and a deep connection to their environment.
07:26The discovery underscored this relationship, highlighting how the landscape of Orkney is not
07:31just a backdrop to life, but an active participant in its history. The storm that revealed the door
07:37was a reminder of the island's dynamic and sometimes volatile nature,
07:42which has shaped human existence here for millennia.
07:45The Excavation Begins
07:48In the aftermath of the storm that had reshaped the Orkney landscape, the local farmers faced
07:53the monumental task of uncovering what lay beneath the mysterious door in the ground.
07:59Armed with little more than curiosity, shovels, and an indomitable spirit, they embarked on an
08:05exploration that would bridge the chasm between the present and a distant past.
08:10The initial efforts to excavate the site were driven by a combination of necessity and wonder.
08:15The storm had not only revealed the underground entrance, but had also wrought havoc on the
08:19farmers' lands, displacing soil and sand in massive quantities. As they began to clear the debris to
08:26salvage their fields, the farmers realized that the doorway could be an entrance to one of the
08:30many ancient structures that dot the Orkney landscape, perhaps even something wholly unknown.
08:36However, the excavation was hampered by the lack of modern machinery and archaeological expertise.
08:41The farmers were pioneers, not professional archaeologists, and their tools were suited
08:46to agriculture rather than the delicate task of unearthing ancient ruins. Despite these limitations,
08:53their work laid the foundation for what would become one of the most significant archaeological
08:57discoveries in Scotland. The turning point came in 1927 with the arrival of Gordon Child,
09:08a renowned Australian archaeologist whose interest in the Orkney Islands was piqued
09:13by reports of the farmer's discovery. Child, then a professor of prehistoric European archaeology at
09:19the University of Edinburgh, recognized the potential significance of the site and assembled
09:25a team equipped with the necessary expertise and tools to conduct a proper excavation. Under
09:30Child's guidance, the excavation took on a new direction. His team systematically removed the
09:36layers of earth and sand that had protected the underground structure for millennia. As the
09:41excavation progressed, it became clear that this was no ordinary find. The site was not just a
09:46single structure, but a complex of buildings, streets, and artifacts that offered a snapshot
09:52of Neolithic life unprecedented in its completeness and preservation. Child's work at
09:58the site, which would later be known as Skara Brae, revealed a settlement that had been occupied
10:03over 5,000 years ago, predating the Great Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. The architectural and
10:09cultural significance of Skara Brae was immense, providing insight into the daily lives of its
10:15Neolithic inhabitants with clarity seldom found in prehistoric sites. The structures unearthed
10:21at Skara Brae were remarkably sophisticated for their time, featuring stone-built houses with
10:25central hearths, beds, and even furniture such as dressers. These dwellings were interconnected
10:31by a series of covered passages, suggesting a community that valued social cohesion and
10:36protection from the harsh Orkney climate. The discovery of various artifacts, including pottery,
10:42tools, and jewelry, further enriched the understanding of Neolithic society and its
10:47capabilities. Gordon Child's role in the excavation of Skara Brae cannot be overstated.
10:54His expertise and methodical approach transformed a curious find by local farmers into a landmark
11:00archaeological project. Childies, work at Skara Brae set new standards for prehistoric archaeology,
11:07demonstrating the importance of careful excavation and analysis in uncovering the
11:12stories of ancient peoples. The significance of Skara Brae extends beyond its archaeological value.
11:19It has become a symbol of human resilience and ingenuity. The settlement's preservation under
11:24layers of sand and earth speaks to the dynamic relationship between humans and their environment,
11:30a theme that resonates deeply in the Orkney Islands. For the farmers who first discovered
11:35the door in the ground, the excavation affirmed their connection to a lineage of people who had
11:40lived and thrived on the same land thousands of years before.
11:44Skara Brae, the Scottish Pompeii
11:47Nestled on the windswept shores of Orkney, the discovery of Skara Brae unearthed a Neolithic
11:52village so well preserved that it has been rightfully dubbed the Scottish Pompeii.
11:56Unlike the Italian city, frozen in time by volcanic ash, Skara Brae lay hidden under
12:02sand for millennia until the storm of 1850 peeled back the layers of time.
12:07This remarkable site offers a vivid snapshot of life over 5,000 years ago,
12:11predating the construction of the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge,
12:15and stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its Neolithic inhabitants.
12:20The architectural sophistication of Skara Brae is immediately apparent.
12:24The village consists of eight stone dwellings, linked together by a series of low covered
12:29passages. These structures were built into a large midden, a prehistoric garbage dump that
12:34provided excellent insulation against Orkney's harsh weather. The walls of the houses were
12:39constructed from large slabs of stone, without the use of mortar, and each was entered through
12:44a low doorway that could be blocked with a stone slab, likely for both warmth and security.
12:50Inside, the dwellings reveal a level of domestic comfort and societal organization
12:54that challenges modern perceptions of Neolithic life. Each house follows a similar layout,
13:00with a central hearth, stone beds, and storage spaces. The presence of stone dressers positioned
13:06opposite the entrance, and often regarded as a kind of spiritual or ritual focal point,
13:11suggests a society with established cultural practices and beliefs. These dressers,
13:16alongside the discovery of carved stone balls, jewelry, and pottery, indicate a community that
13:21valued both function and form, merging the practical needs of daily life with a sense
13:26of aesthetic and possibly spiritual significance. The settlement's design reflects a deep understanding
13:32of community living and environmental adaptation. The interconnected houses and shared walls
13:37minimized exposure to the elements and maximized warmth. The central hearth in each dwelling was
13:42not just a source of heat, but a communal space for cooking, working, and social interaction.
13:47This architectural arrangement suggests a society that prioritized social cohesion,
13:51with each household contributing to the larger community structure.
13:55Why Skara Brae has been likened to Pompeii is not merely due to its preservation,
14:00but because it offers a freeze frame of Neolithic life. Just as Pompeii provides insights into Roman
14:06society, Skara Brae sheds light on Neolithic practices, economy, and social organization.
14:12The artifacts found within the village, from sophisticated stone tools to ornamental objects,
14:17speak to a society that was both technologically adept and culturally rich.
14:22The variety and craftsmanship of these items suggest a community with skilled artisans,
14:26capable of not only meeting their material needs, but also expressing themselves through art and
14:32decoration. One of the most intriguing aspects of Skara Brae is its apparent sudden abandonment.
14:39Similar to Pompeii, the village gives the impression of a community that vanished in haste,
14:44leaving behind the utensils and possessions that had filled their daily lives.
14:48While the reasons behind this abandonment remain a subject of speculation,
14:52it adds a layer of mystery to the site, prompting questions about the challenges
14:57these ancient people faced and what ultimately led them to leave their homes.
15:01The societal advancements observed at Skara Brae are remarkable. The village's layout and
15:06the uniformity of the houses suggest a level of planning and social organization that belies the
15:12often simplistic view of Neolithic communities. The presence of a drainage system and evidence
15:17of waste management practices indicate an understanding of public health and environmental
15:22sustainability that was far ahead of its time. Moreover, the apparent division of labor,
15:28as inferred from the variety of tools and artifacts found, points to a complex economy
15:33where different individuals or groups specialized in various crafts and activities.
15:38The significance of Skara Brae extends beyond its architectural and societal advancements.
15:43It challenges our understanding of prehistoric life, offering a glimpse into a society that
15:47was both complex and sophisticated. The village's preservation allows us to appreciate not just
15:52the structures these people built, but the lives they lived within them. Skara Brae stands as a
15:58monument to human resilience, creativity, and the enduring desire to shape our environment and
16:04society. Life in Ancient Orkney. Skara Brae, nestled within the heart of the Orkney Archipelago,
16:12provides a rare lens through which we can view the daily life of its ancient inhabitants.
16:17This Neolithic village, preserved under layers of sand for millennia, offers insights into a
16:22community that thrived in a landscape both beautiful and harsh. The engineering marvels
16:28and sophisticated infrastructure of Skara Brae reflect a people adept at overcoming
16:33the environmental challenges they faced, revealing a society that was innovative, resilient, and deeply
16:39connected to its surroundings. The daily life in Skara Brae was undoubtedly shaped by the climate
16:45of Orkney, characterized by cold, wet winters and mild summers. The inhabitants constructed their
16:51homes with thick stone walls and insulation, using the earth itself to shield against the elements.
16:56Each dwelling was equipped with a central hearth, providing warmth and light, around which daily
17:02activities would revolve. These hearths were not merely functional, but served as the heart
17:07of the home, where meals were prepared, tools were crafted, and stories were shared, fostering a sense
17:13of community and belonging. The layout of Skara Brae, with its interconnected dwellings, speaks
17:20to a society that valued communal living while maintaining individual family spaces. This balance
17:26between privacy and community might have been key to their survival, allowing for the efficient
17:31distribution of resources and shared responsibilities. The presence of designated
17:36workshops within the village suggests a division of labor, with individuals specializing in tasks
17:41such as toolmaking, pottery, and perhaps weaving, although no textiles have survived the passage of
17:46time. One of the most remarkable aspects of Skara Brae is its sophisticated infrastructure,
17:52particularly its drainage system. Each house featured a stone-lined drain that led outside,
17:58a striking example of Neolithic engineering. This system not only provided sanitation,
18:04but also demonstrated an advanced understanding of environmental management.
18:09The drainage system, coupled with evidence of stone,
18:13built furniture and organized living spaces, showcases a level of domestic sophistication
18:20that challenges modern perceptions of Neolithic life.
18:24The mysterious disappearance of the Skara Brae inhabitants has puzzled historians and archaeologists
18:29for decades. Several theories have been proposed, ranging from environmental changes to social
18:34upheaval. One plausible explanation is the deteriorating climate. As the Orkney Islands
18:40faced increasingly severe storms and colder temperatures, the conditions that had once
18:45supported the flourishing community of Skara Brae may have become untenable. The struggle
18:50to maintain crops and livestock in such a climate could have led to a gradual abandonment of the
18:54village. Another theory suggests that the inhabitants of Skara Brae might have been
18:59forced to leave due to a rise in sea levels or a catastrophic natural event, such as a tsunami,
19:06which are not uncommon in the geological history of the region. The suddenness of their departure,
19:11implied by the belongings left behind in the dwellings, supports the idea of a rapid and
19:17unplanned exodus. The social structure of Skara Brae may also offer clues to its abandonment.
19:26While the village exhibits signs of a tightly knit community, it is possible that internal
19:30conflicts or changes in social hierarchy led to its decline. The absence of clear evidence
19:36for a ruling class or religious elite suggests a society that was relatively egalitarian,
19:42but this does not preclude the possibility of social tensions arising from resource scarcity
19:46or external threats. The Legacy and Mysteries Unveiled
19:50The discovery of Skara Brae in the Orkney Islands has been a cornerstone in unravelling the tapestry
19:55of Neolithic life in Northern Europe. This remarkably preserved village has not only
20:00provided a tangible connection to our ancestors, but also reshaped our understanding of prehistoric
20:06societies. The broader impact of Skara Brae's discovery extends beyond its immediate archaeological
20:12significance, influencing how we perceive the sophistication, resilience, and ingenuity of
20:17Neolithic communities. Skara Brae's excavation revealed a society that was far from primitive.
20:23The architectural ingenuity, advanced societal organization, and evidence of a complex economy
20:29challenge the notion of Neolithic people as mere hunter-gatherers living at the mercy of
20:33their environment. Instead, we see a community capable of detailed planning, environmental
20:39adaptation, and a rich cultural life, suggesting a level of sophistication that parallels,
20:45if not surpasses, that of contemporary civilizations in other regions. The ongoing
20:50archaeological efforts in Orkney and beyond continue to uncover evidence that further
20:54enriches our understanding of Neolithic civilizations. Excavations at other sites in
21:00Scotland, such as the Ness of Brodgar, have revealed similarly complex societies with
21:05monumental architecture, intricate artwork, and evidence of extensive trade networks. These
21:11discoveries underscore the interconnectedness of Neolithic communities across Scotland and
21:15potentially across wider regions of Northern Europe. Despite these advances, numerous
21:21unanswered questions remain about Skara Brae and Neolithic societies in general.
21:26The reasons behind the sudden abandonment of Skara Brae still elude historians and archaeologists,
21:32while theories abound from environmental catastrophes to social upheaval, definitive
21:36evidence is scarce. This mystery adds a layer of intrigue to the site, fueling ongoing research
21:42and speculation. Another area of ongoing investigation is the extent of interaction
21:47between Skara Brae and other contemporary Neolithic communities. The similarities in
21:52architectural styles, burial practices, and artifacts across different sites suggest a
21:58shared cultural framework or direct communication between these communities.
22:03Determining the nature and extent of these connections could provide invaluable insights
22:07into the social and political landscape of Neolithic Europe. The legacy of Skara Brae
22:12also raises questions about the sustainability practices of Neolithic societies. The careful
22:17management of resources evident in the village's infrastructure offers lessons for modern societies
22:23grappling with environmental challenges. Understanding how Skara Brae's inhabitants
22:28maintained a balance with their environment could inform contemporary approaches to sustainability
22:33and conservation. Furthermore, the spiritual and cultural life of Skara Brae's inhabitants
22:39remains a topic of fascination. The significance of artifacts, such as carved stone balls and
22:44symbols, is still debated, with interpretations ranging from purely decorative to deeply
22:49spiritual or symbolic. Unraveling the meanings behind these objects could offer a glimpse into
22:55the beliefs, values, and social structures of Neolithic communities.