Latest news with #Neolithic
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
The Scottish island that was crowned 'prettiest' you need to visit this summer
The island has been praised for its beaches and food scene. When it comes to choosing a Scottish island to head to for a staycation, having so many options can be overwhelming. The country is home to around 800 islands in total, and many are inhabited and easily accessible. If you are stuck on an island in Scotland to head to this summer, a great choice is Westray. One of the Orkney Islands, that has a population of around just 600 people. What Westray lacks in size, it makes up for in spectacular landscapes. It features dramatic sea cliffs on its west side, as well as a selection of fabulous sandy beaches. Westray was previously named one of Scotland's five "prettiest" islands by Condé Nast Traveller. Placing first on the experts' roundup, the island was praised for its "bijou sand-smeared bays, vertiginous sea cliffs and flat, serene pastureland". One of the top beaches on Westray is Grobust, located a short distance from the village of Pierowall. According to the Orkney website, the beach looks especially beautiful in the aftermath of a northerly gale—when blue waves are thrown into the "impeccably clean sandy shore". Grobust is also located close to the ruins of a Neolithic settlement at the Links of Noltland. An ancient tiny stone figure nicknamed the 'Orkney Venus' or 'Westray Wife' was discovered here in 2009, and can be seen at the Westray Heritage Centre. Situated in Pierowall, the Westray Heritage Centre is a four-star museum that is home to a fascinating and extensive collection of artefacts, documents, and photographs. These help visitors discover more about the island's long and storied history. Also located near Pierowall are the dramatic ruins of Noltland Castle. Dating back to the 16th century, the stronghold was constructed by a Master of Mary, Queen of Scots' household who escaped to Westray following her arrest in 1567. Pierowall is also home to a popular fish and chip shop, with the small family-run Pierowall Fish business running the popular 'JACKS' chippy. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, the fish and chip shop serves a large selection of fish—plus a range of local chip shop classics—according to season and availability. Westray's food scene was named another of the island's highlights by Condé Nast Traveller. They experts praised it has having "one of the greatest natural larders in Scotland with Westray beef, scallops and shellfish some of the finest you'll find anywhere". As well as Pierowall Fish, one of the most popular eateries on Westray is Saintear. The small family-run café and bistro offers pizzas, sweet treats, coffee, and more. In terms of walking destinations, among the best hikes on Westray is the Noup Head Circular. Taking around two and a half hours to complete, the route offers incredible views of the spectacular and historic Noup Head Lighthouse. Westray is also a top destination for spotting seabirds, with the Noup Cliffs being a particular hotspot. If they're lucky, visitors will be able to see birds nesting and soaring in the area. If you are interested in visiting Westray, the island can be reached by either sea or air. There are regular ferries to Westray from Kirkwall, while Loganair operates flights to and from the island. The full list of Scotland's "prettiest" islands can be found on the .
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
The Scottish glen with standing stones perfect to celebrate Summer Solstice this week
The ancient site is found in the west of Scotland. This week marks the Summer Solstice, which is the longest day of the year. On June 21, people all over Scotland will be looking for meaningful ways to celebrate the occasion. A popular destination to head for the Summer Solstice each year is Stonehenge in England, where thousands gather to watch the amazing sight of the sun lining up with the ancient stones. However, Scotland is home to many standing stones set against breathtaking landscapes that offer a more peaceful alternative with fewer crowds. As previously reported by the Daily Record, VisitScotland recently shared a roundup of the top standings stone locations around Scotland to enjoy the Summer Solstice. The tourism board named beauty spots such as Machrie Moor on the Isle of Arran and the Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis on its roundup. Another destination featured on VisitScotland's list is Kilmartin Glen in Argyll. Situated between Oban and Lochgilphead, and surrounding the village of Kilmartin, it is located in the west of Scotland. Kilmartin Glen is said to be home to one of the most significant collections of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. Among the highlights of the area are the Nether Largie Standing Stones and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. The Nether Largie Stones are some of the most important prehistoric monuments in the country. Thought to date back 5,000 years, the stones are believed to align with key astronomical events—including the midsummer sunrise. Meanwhile, the Temple Wood Stone Circle features 13 stones comprising a circle that is considered among the most well-preserved in the region. According to VisitScotland, the site was occupied as far back as 3000 BC. In total, the tourism board states that Kilmartin Glen has more than 350 ancient monuments within a six-mile radius. Around 150 of these are believed to be prehistoric. In addition to the standing stones, among the other highlights are a henge monument, numerous cists, and a 'linear cemetery' that is comprised of five burial cairns. A number of these of these are decorated with cup and ring marks, as are many natural rocks. VisitScotland commented: "The Nether Largie Stones are among the most significant prehistoric monuments in Scotland. Set against a backdrop of green hills and misty moorland, the site offers an evocative space to experience the Solstice. "Temple Wood's 13 standing stones form one of the best-preserved stone circles in the area. The site's use began before 3000 BC and continued into the Bronze Age, with evidence of an earlier timber circle predating the stones by nearly 2,000 years. "It's a quietly evocative place that adds even more depth to the glen's rich prehistoric landscape." For those wishing to learn more about the Kilmartin Glen, VisitScotland recommends a visit to Kilmartin Museum. Visitors of all ages can obtain a unique insight into the lives of the ancient people that inhabited the surrounding area thousands of years ago. The tourism board added: "To begin your journey, Kilmartin Museum is an essential first stop. Recently redeveloped, the museum provides fascinating context on the area's archaeological heritage and offers a self-guided trail map linking many of the glen's key sites by foot." The full list of Scotland's top standing stones can be found on the VisitScotland website.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Neolithic grooves found at Adiperumal temple near Vannamparai in Tiruppur district
A significant Neolithic archaeological site, believed to be a stone tool production centre, has recently been identified and documented by Yaakkai Heritage Trust. The site is located on the premises of the Adiperumal Temple at Thathanur, and a nearby hillock known as Vannampaarai, situated in Rayarpalayam, Avinashi Taluk, Tiruppur district. The fieldwork was conducted by the Yaakkai team comprising Kumaravel Ramasamy, Sudhakar Nalliyappan, and Venkatesh Dhanapal, along with student interns from the Yaakkai Archaeological Library. Dating back to the Neolithic period, the site features remarkably high concentration of grooves believed to have been used for grinding and sharpening stone tools. Over 100 grooves have been identified at Thathanur and seven more at Vannam Paarai. While earlier evidence of Neolithic presence in Kongu Nadu was limited to references in Robert Bruce Foote's documentation and later finds near the Noyyal river valley, this discovery provides direct archaeological evidence of large-scale prehistoric tool-making activity in the region. The grooves differ in size and depth, with some notably deeper than those found in the sites at Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai districts, suggesting intense and prolonged use. The largest groove recorded at Thathanur measures 54 cm in length, 16.5 cm in width, and 4.2 cm in depth, while others generally range between 30-45 cm in length and 10-18 cm in width. These findings point to the site being a full-fledged Neolithic workshop, where tools were ground and polished for various agricultural and domestic purposes, supporting the broader archaeological understanding of a transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agrarian settlements during this period. The presence of natural water sources such as springs and streams near both sites supports the typical pattern of Neolithic settlements being established in areas with reliable water access and strong rock formations. Additionally, microlithic stone tools - specifically quartz blades - were found on the surface outside the temple premises, and clusters of iron ore residues were observed near the grooves at Vannampaarai. These associated finds further reinforce the archaeological importance of the area and suggest that the region may have played a wider role in prehistoric material culture and metallurgy. The grooves at Adiperumal Temple have been assimilated into local religious traditions. Villagers regard these ancient carvings as the footprints of Lord Perumal and continue to worship them. Vannampaarai is also a ritual site today, and local oral histories indicate a pattern of alternating worship between the two locations, suggesting a shared ritual heritage rooted in antiquity. This transformation of archaeological landscapes into sacred spaces is a well-documented phenomenon across Tamil Nadu. The identification of this Neolithic production site with its high concentration of grooves, associated tool remains, and ritual continuity marks a significant addition to Tamil Nadu's prehistoric map.
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Science
- Korea Herald
Event hails Hongshan culture's 'brilliance'
BEIJING, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from China Daily Cultural heritage serves as a window into the traditions, culture and even the civilization of a country, so it is essential to intensify research efforts to enhance understanding of China's cultural ethos and to promote mutual learning among Chinese and foreign civilizations, according to guests at a key cultural event. They made the remarks at the International Communication Conference on Hongshan Culture and Vision China event on Saturday in Chaoyang, Liaoning province. Wang Xinwei, governor of Liaoning, said the province will take a series of measures to better protect, inherit and develop Hongshan culture, so that the precious cultural heritage can shine more brightly in the new era. Hongshan culture, a key Neolithic culture dating from 6,500 to 5,000 years ago, spanned what is today's Liaoning and Hebei provinces and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. "We will enhance our commitment to the cultural mission in the new era, continuously deepen research on Hongshan culture, promote the application for World Heritage status of the Hongshan culture's Niuheliang site in Chaoyang, Liaoning, and enhance the international understanding of Hongshan culture," he said. Under the theme "Tracing the Origins of Chinese Civilization: Focus on Hongshan Culture", the activity brought together professionals in archaeological studies, cultural relics protection and civilization research, among others, to share their insights on Hongshan culture. Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said: "The West Liaohe River Basin, together with the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins, is one of the important cradles of Chinese civilization. Among the many shining stars of early Chinese cultures, Hongshan stands out for its brilliance." Qu also said, "We must build a recognizable system of Chinese cultural symbols to help the world better understand China and the spiritual world of the Chinese people", adding that modern technologies should be used to bring ancient stories to life. Bao Xianhua, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee, highlighted the cooperation between Liaoning and Inner Mongolia to deepen the understanding of Hongshan culture. Inner Mongolia will continue to deepen cooperation with both Liaoning and Hebei, explore the multiple values of Hongshan culture, and promote the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture, he said. Qiao Yunfei, deputy director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, called for continued efforts to explore the pivotal role of Hongshan culture in the origins and development of Chinese civilization, open museums and archaeological-site parks related to it, and build Hongshan culture into a symbol of Chinese civilization with global influence. Logo released The conference released the official logo for Hongshan culture. Incorporating elements from Hongshan's painted pottery, the logo features an interlocking double "C "pattern — with one "C" representing "China" and the other representing "culture" — to create a spiraling structure, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Hongshan culture as one of the origins of Chinese civilization. Highlighting Hongshan's cultural connections beyond China, Guo Dashun, honorary director of the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, noted that Hongshan's painted pottery features three patterns: roses from China's Central Plains, dragon motifs native to Hongshan, and geometric patterns, such as diamond grids, from Central Asia. "These designs represent sparks from the fusion of Eurasian cultures, suggesting that about 5,000 or 6,000 years ago, a pottery road existed, running south to north and west to east, with the West Liaohe River Basin serving as a melting pot for both West and East Asian cultures," said Guo, who has spent decades studying Hongshan culture. Elizabeth Childs-Johnson, a US Sinologist specializing in Chinese art and archaeology, listed highlights of Hongshan culture and pointed out that Hongshan was one of the earliest cultures to use jade as a symbol of power and wealth. Jiang Bo, a professor at Shandong University's Institute of Cultural Heritage and former vice-president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, said that Hongshan culture, with its stone structures at archaeological sites, jade dragons as the cultural symbol of traditional China, and statues and sculptures that reflect early-period belief systems, has the potential to gain World Heritage status. Dennis Schilling, a professor of philosophy at Renmin University of China in Beijing, said that Hongshan culture is an important part of the "world heritage of humanity". "It has significance not only for later Chinese cultural history, but also for our knowledge of the cultural and social development of humanity itself," he said.
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Science
- Cision Canada
Event hails Hongshan culture's 'brilliance'
BEIJING, June 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- A report from China Daily Cultural heritage serves as a window into the traditions, culture and even the civilization of a country, so it is essential to intensify research efforts to enhance understanding of China's cultural ethos and to promote mutual learning among Chinese and foreign civilizations, according to guests at a key cultural event. They made the remarks at the International Communication Conference on Hongshan Culture and Vision China event on Saturday in Chaoyang, Liaoning province. Wang Xinwei, governor of Liaoning, said the province will take a series of measures to better protect, inherit and develop Hongshan culture, so that the precious cultural heritage can shine more brightly in the new era. Hongshan culture, a key Neolithic culture dating from 6,500 to 5,000 years ago, spanned what is today's Liaoning and Hebei provinces and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. "We will enhance our commitment to the cultural mission in the new era, continuously deepen research on Hongshan culture, promote the application for World Heritage status of the Hongshan culture's Niuheliang site in Chaoyang, Liaoning, and enhance the international understanding of Hongshan culture," he said. Under the theme "Tracing the Origins of Chinese Civilization: Focus on Hongshan Culture", the activity brought together professionals in archaeological studies, cultural relics protection and civilization research, among others, to share their insights on Hongshan culture. Qu Yingpu, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily, said: "The West Liaohe River Basin, together with the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins, is one of the important cradles of Chinese civilization. Among the many shining stars of early Chinese cultures, Hongshan stands out for its brilliance." Qu also said, "We must build a recognizable system of Chinese cultural symbols to help the world better understand China and the spiritual world of the Chinese people", adding that modern technologies should be used to bring ancient stories to life. Bao Xianhua, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee, highlighted the cooperation between Liaoning and Inner Mongolia to deepen the understanding of Hongshan culture. Inner Mongolia will continue to deepen cooperation with both Liaoning and Hebei, explore the multiple values of Hongshan culture, and promote the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture, he said. Qiao Yunfei, deputy director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, called for continued efforts to explore the pivotal role of Hongshan culture in the origins and development of Chinese civilization, open museums and archaeological-site parks related to it, and build Hongshan culture into a symbol of Chinese civilization with global influence. Logo released The conference released the official logo for Hongshan culture. Incorporating elements from Hongshan's painted pottery, the logo features an interlocking double "C "pattern — with one "C" representing "China" and the other representing "culture" — to create a spiraling structure, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Hongshan culture as one of the origins of Chinese civilization. Highlighting Hongshan's cultural connections beyond China, Guo Dashun, honorary director of the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, noted that Hongshan's painted pottery features three patterns: roses from China's Central Plains, dragon motifs native to Hongshan, and geometric patterns, such as diamond grids, from Central Asia. "These designs represent sparks from the fusion of Eurasian cultures, suggesting that about 5,000 or 6,000 years ago, a pottery road existed, running south to north and west to east, with the West Liaohe River Basin serving as a melting pot for both West and East Asian cultures," said Guo, who has spent decades studying Hongshan culture. Elizabeth Childs-Johnson, a US Sinologist specializing in Chinese art and archaeology, listed highlights of Hongshan culture and pointed out that Hongshan was one of the earliest cultures to use jade as a symbol of power and wealth. Jiang Bo, a professor at Shandong University's Institute of Cultural Heritage and former vice-president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, said that Hongshan culture, with its stone structures at archaeological sites, jade dragons as the cultural symbol of traditional China, and statues and sculptures that reflect early-period belief systems, has the potential to gain World Heritage status. Dennis Schilling, a professor of philosophy at Renmin University of China in Beijing, said that Hongshan culture is an important part of the "world heritage of humanity". "It has significance not only for later Chinese cultural history, but also for our knowledge of the cultural and social development of humanity itself," he said.
