2015

NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (15)

taken 8 years ago, near to Milltown of Rothiemay, Moray, Scotland

Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (15)
Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (15)
This is part of the upper surface of the recumbent, which is pockmarked with cup marks. There are fewer than on the inner vertical face - only about twenty - but they are much easier to see thanks to the slanting sunlight. See LinkExternal link for more information. NJ5548 : Rothiemay Recumbent Stone Circle (16)
Recumbent Stone Circles

Recumbent stone circles are unique to the farmlands of north-eastern Scotland. They are so called because in a south-western or south-eastern sector of the circle they include a long low stone wedged in position so that its upper surface is horizontal. This stone is termed a recumbent.

The recumbent is flanked by the two tallest stones of the circle, and inside it there are usually two lower stones laid at right angles to the ends of the recumbent.

The rest of the stones in the circle, technically referred to as orthostats, are usually graded in height, the tallest being closest to the recumbent, and each one lower than its neighbour until the lowest stone, diametrically opposite the recumbent.

For a more detailed, and organised, article see Link

Cup marks and cup-and-ring marks

Cup marks are found on prehistoric stones all over Scotland. They are shallow depressions about an inch or two (4 or 5 cm) in diameter, carved into the surface of the stones. Some cup marks are surrounded by one or more rings. Their original purpose is unknown.


Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright Anne Burgess and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Geographical Context: Historic sites and artefacts
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NJ5548, 46 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
Anne Burgess   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Monday, 16 November, 2015   (more nearby)
Submitted
Wednesday, 18 November, 2015
Subject Location
OSGB36: geotagged! NJ 5506 4871 [10m precision]
WGS84: 57:31.5782N 2:45.1228W
Camera Location
OSGB36: geotagged! NJ 5506 4871
View Direction
Northwest (about 315 degrees)
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Image classification(about): Supplemental image
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