The residents of Skara Brae are believed to have been part of a hierarchical society, with clear distinctions between the elite and common folk. Some of the homes at Skara Brae appear to have been larger and more elaborate than others, suggesting that a wealthier class may have lived in these structures. The discovery of valuable objects, such as decorated pottery and intricate bone tools, further supports this idea.
The society at Skara Brae was likely organized into extended family groups, with members working together to tend to the land, animals, and community needs. The presence of communal spaces and shared resources indicates that the people of Skara Brae practiced a form of communal living, with an emphasis on cooperation and mutual support.
The Decline of Skara Brae
By around 2500 BCE, the inhabitants of Skara Brae seem to have abandoned the settlement. The reasons for the abandonment are still debated by archaeologists. Some theories suggest that a dramatic shift in climate, possibly a colder and wetter period, may have made the island less habitable, while others speculate that changes in social or economic structures may have prompted the relocation of the population.
After the abandonment, Skara Brae was buried under sand and earth for centuries, preserving it for future generations to discover. The site was eventually re-exposed in the 19th century, and since then, it has been the subject of ongoing archaeological study and preservation efforts. shutdown123