Not a week after we flagged up the archaeological site of Birne as the place to visit during Scottish Archaeology Month, its been announced that the remains of another Iron Age roundhouse have been discovered there. Archaeologists have speculated that the erstwhile multi-storey structure these days reduced to just a hard floor and rotting timber beams may once been the very centre of what was a Celtic power base in the north east of Scotland some 2,000 years ago.
20 roundhouses have been found at Birnie so far five in the last year alone. But this one, located at Dykeside Farm, is believed to have been the main structure among the lot. Excavation team leader Fraser Hunter, from the National Museum of Scotland, described it as a huge impressive building that stood over 9 metres high and more than 15 metres wide. People tend to think [the Celts] were scratching around living difficult existences and staying in huts, he said, speaking to the Press and Journal. But this is no hut.
Once the timber remains have been surveyed, theyll be lifted and sent off for analysis, to see if any more light can be shed on building techniques at Birne. The sites incredible prehistoric past becomes clearer all the time, as the now 12-year-long dig at the site which has turned-up Roman coin hoards and chariot parts continues. Its absolutely remarkable, Hunter added. Each time we come here it throws up surprises. It just shows what an important place this was 2,000 years ago. Its giving us completely new insights into the Iron Age.
Picture by Vegan Family. All rights reserved.