Rinyo facts for kids
Rinyo was an ancient village that existed a very long time ago, during a period called the Neolithic Age. This was a time when people started farming and building permanent homes, long before written history! Rinyo was located on an island called Rousay in Orkney, Scotland.
Discovering Rinyo
The Rinyo site was first found in the winter of 1837–1838. It was on land belonging to Bigland Farm, in the northeast part of Rousay island.
Archaeologists later dug up the site to learn more about it. These digs happened in 1938 and 1946. A famous archaeologist named Vere Gordon Childe led some of this work. He also excavated another well-known ancient village called Skara Brae on Mainland Orkney. W. G. Grant also helped with the excavations at Rinyo.
What Did They Find?
During the digs, archaeologists found many interesting objects. These items give us clues about how people lived in Rinyo thousands of years ago.
Some of the things they found included:
- Flint tools: These were sharp tools made from flint stone, used for cutting or scraping.
- Stone axes: Heavy stone tools used for chopping wood or other materials.
- Stone balls: The purpose of these smooth, round stones is still a bit of a mystery! They might have been used in games or as weights.
- Pottery: Pieces of ancient pots and containers, used for cooking or storing food.
- Stone mace-head: This was the heavy, rounded part of a mace, a type of ancient weapon or ceremonial object.
Other Amazing Sites on Rousay
Rousay is an island full of history! Over 100 ancient sites have been found there. These include the impressive Midhowe Broch and Midhowe Chambered Cairn.
- Midhowe Broch: A broch is an ancient, round stone tower built during the Iron Age. They were likely used as homes or defensive structures.
- Midhowe Chambered Cairn: This is a large, ancient stone tomb where people were buried. It has different chambers or rooms inside.
These sites, along with Rinyo, help us understand the lives of people in Orkney thousands of years ago.
