Mor Stein facts for kids
Mor Stein is an ancient stone that stands tall on the island of Shapinsay. This island is part of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. People call it a "standing stone" because it was placed upright a very long time ago. It's a fascinating piece of history from the Stone Age.
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Mor Stein: A Giant Stone from the Past
Mor Stein is a special type of monument called a standing stone. These stones were put in place by people during the Neolithic period. This was a time thousands of years ago, when early humans were learning to farm. Mor Stein is very old, dating back to a time before written history. It stands alone in a field, making it a mysterious sight.
Where is Mor Stein Located?
Mor Stein is found on Shapinsay, one of the many islands that make up the Orkney Islands. Shapinsay is a large island located off the coast of Scotland. It sits about two miles north of the biggest island, known as the Orkney Mainland. If you look slightly northeast of Mor Stein, you would find Linton Bay. This location adds to the stone's ancient and remote feel.
What Does Mor Stein Look Like?
This impressive stone stands about 3.2 meters (or 10.5 feet) tall. That's taller than a basketball hoop! Mor Stein is a natural stone. It has not been shaped or carved by human hands. It simply stands upright, just as it was placed thousands of years ago. Unlike some other ancient sites, Mor Stein is quite isolated. It does not have other man-made structures right next to it.
Nearby Ancient Sites
While Mor Stein stands by itself, the Orkney Islands are full of ancient history. A few miles north of Mor Stein, you can find Burroughston Broch. A broch is an ancient circular stone tower. The one at Burroughston still has its earth covering. This allows visitors to look down into the old structure. These sites help us imagine what life was like for people long, long ago.
