Scotland: 'Mind-blowing' ancient settlement found on hilltop

Archaeologists say up to 4,000 people may have lived in huts near the village of Rhynie in the fifth to sixth century.
By Andy Hayes, news reporter

Thursday 14 May 2020 20:28, UK



The site was analysed using radiocarbon dating

A hillfort overlooking a small village has been revealed as one of the largest ancient settlements ever discovered in Scotland.

Up to 4,000 people may have lived in more than 800 huts on the Tap O' Noth, close to the village of Rhynie in the fifth to sixth centuries.

The Aberdeenshire settlement may, in fact, date back as far as the third century, meaning it is likely to be Pictish in origin.



Archaeologists at work on the site

The Picts were a collection of Celtic-speaking communities who lived in the east and north of Scotland during the Late British Iron Age and Early Medieval periods.

More:
https://news.sky.com/story/scotland-mind-blowing-ancient-settlement-found-on-hilltop-11988414

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Ancient Tap O' Noth hillfort in Aberdeenshire one of 'largest ever'
14 May 2020 NE Scotland, Orkney & Shetland



UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEENTap O' Noth

A hillfort in Aberdeenshire is one of the largest ancient settlements ever discovered in Scotland, researchers have said.

University of Aberdeen archaeologists say 4,000 people may have lived in more than 800 huts perched high on the Tap O' Noth near Rhynie.

Many had thought it dated from the Bronze or Iron Age.

The team said carbon dating suggested it was likely to be Pictish, dating back as far as the third century AD.

They believe at its height it may have rivalled the largest known post-Roman settlements in Europe.

More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-52660032

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Steps to ancient hillfort well in Aberdeenshire uncovered
18 June 2019



NORTHERN PICTS/UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN
Image caption
The steps and the well are being seen for the first time since the site was first recorded in the 1800s
Archaeologists have revealed the steps to an ancient hillfort's well in Aberdeenshire.

The site on Mither Tap, a summit on Bennachie, a hill near Inverurie, was first recorded in the 1800s before being covered over.

University of Aberdeen's Northern Picts project said its excavation meant the steps could been seen for the first time in more than 200 years.

Archaeologists believe the steps could be 1,000 years old,

The fort could date to the Iron Age or early medieval period.

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More:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-48675964