Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland Apr 19, 2024

Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland

At the heart of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago in northern Scotland, lies an ancient riddle: the Ring of Brodgar. Dating back to sometime between 2500 and 2000 BCE, this Neolithic henge—a type of ancient circular earthwork—and stone circle measure about 340 feet across. Lying on a narrow strip of land between two lochs, the site initially comprised 60 stones, although today only 36 remain. The exact purpose of the structure is still unknown, despite an excavation project at the site in 2008. In 1999, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney group of monuments, which includes the Ring of Brodgar, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are planning a trip to Scotland, consider walking amid the echoes of history at the Ring of Brodgar while the crisp Scottish air embraces you.

© Paul Williams - FunkyStock/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Apr 19, 2018Craig Goch Dam in the Elan Valley of Wales
Apr 19, 2019Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park shines
Apr 19, 2020Step into the dark
Apr 19, 2021Rays on parade
Apr 19, 2022Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
Apr 19, 2023Taiwan yuhinas in Alishan National Scenic Area
Apr 19, 2025First day of National Park Week
Apr 19, 2026National Library Week

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Dec 24, 2021Smoking nights in Austria
May 5, 2022Cinco de Mayo
Nov 13, 2018Autumn’s swan song
Mar 7, 2026The Brocken, Harz National Park, Germany
May 4, 2021Happy Star Wars Day!
Jun 3, 2019Oh, happy day!
Sep 2, 2022Seitan Limania Beach, Crete
Dec 8, 2021Petrified Forest National Park
Jul 4, 2024Independence Day
Oct 9, 2023Indigenous Peoples Day
Apr 19, 2024Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland
Sep 20, 2018May we have this dance?
Feb 7, 2022Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, Canada
Aug 8, 2023Infinity Day
Jul 26, 2022Mangrove Conservation Day
Nov 6, 2025Celebrating Yi Peng
Apr 30, 2024Cheetah in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Dec 31, 2022New Year s Eve in Sydney, Australia
Sep 12, 2023North Sea at sunset, Norddorf, Germany
Sep 16, 2022Puma in Patagonia
May 20, 2024World Bee Day
Jan 24, 2021These patterns tell a story
Mar 24, 2023Wild garlic in bloom at Hainich National Park, Germany
Aug 1, 2018Don’t look down
Apr 28, 2023Arbor Day
Jan 12, 2020The Zugspitze: Germany s highest point
Jun 13, 2023Okefenokee Swamp
Nov 19, 2022Zion National Park turns 103
Feb 10, 2023Ancient theater of Epidaurus, Greece
Dec 8, 2024Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens