Dun Beag, Isle of Skye, Britain
The broch of Dun Beag, viewed from the roadside.
A broch is a defensive tower dating from the time of the iron age, around 400-200 BC. The circular wall is 4m thick. The broch probably stood up to 10m tall and is likely to have housed several families. It is believed that brochs were used as defensive sanctuaries where families could escape from cattle raiding parties, as they are too small to have withstood a prolonged seige. Such structures are widespread throughout northwest Scotland. The interior of Dun Beag was excavated in 1914-20. Among the objects discovered were iron spears and knives, crucibles, antler picks, a stone lamp, and ornaments of stone, bronze, gold, bone and glass. The discovery of coins dating from between the 12th and 18th centuries indicate that the building has been used from time to time for over 2000 years!
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