At Stonehall Farm, Late Neolithic Life is Rubbish

Archaeological excavations at Stonehall Farm, part of the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, reveal that Late Neolithic life was characterized by substantial waste accumulation. The study identified a significant deposit of domestic rubbish, including pottery sherds, animal bones, and other artifacts, suggesting a dynamic and rapidly evolving settlement during this period. Researchers employed multi-disciplinary methods, such as stratigraphic analysis, artifact examination, and radiocarbon dating, to reconstruct daily activities and social structures. This finding challenges traditional narratives of Neolithic Orkney, highlighting the importance of waste management in understanding ancient societies.

Richards, C., Jones, R., Challands, A., Jeffrey, S., Jones, A. M., Jones, S., & Muir, T. (2016). At Stonehall Farm, Late Neolithic Life is Rubbish. The Development of Neolithic House Societies in Orkney, 128–159. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv13gvg8m.11