Callanish VIII facts for kids
The Callanish VIII stone setting is a fascinating ancient monument located on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. It's one of many mysterious stone structures found near the more famous Calanais I. People in the local area sometimes call it Tursachan.
This special place is found on the island of Great Bernera, right on the edge of a cliff. It looks out over a narrow stretch of water towards the Isle of Lewis.
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What Makes Callanish VIII Special?
This stone setting is very unusual, and perhaps even one-of-a-kind! Instead of a full circle, it's a semicircle made of four large stones. These stones are placed right on the edge of a cliff.
Was It Always a Semicircle?
Experts have looked closely at the site and believe the cliff hasn't collapsed. This means it's very likely that the builders always intended for it to be a semicircle, not a full circle that got broken.
How Big Are the Stones?
The tallest stone at Callanish VIII stands almost three metres (about 10 feet) high! The semicircle itself stretches about 20 metres (about 65 feet) across, following the curve of the cliff edge.
Who Built These Stones?
The people who built these amazing stone settings, like Callanish VIII and the larger Calanais I, lived thousands of years ago. They are often called megalithic builders, which just means they built things with very large stones. We don't know exactly why they built them, but many believe they were used for special ceremonies, tracking the sun or moon, or marking important places.
Where Can You Find Callanish VIII?
Callanish VIII is located on the south side of Great Bernera, which is a smaller island connected to the Isle of Lewis. Both islands are part of the Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, off the west coast of Scotland. It's a beautiful and wild part of the world, perfect for ancient mysteries!
