Strathmartine Castle Stone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Strathmartine Castle Stone |
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The Strathmartine Castle Stone
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| Material | Old Red Sandstone |
| Height | 1.35 metres (4.4 ft) |
| Symbols |
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| Present location | McManus Galleries, Dundee, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°31′34″N 3°01′04″W / 56.5261°N 3.0179°W |
| Classification | Class I Incised Stone |
| Culture | Picto-Scottish |
The Strathmartine Castle Stone is a very old stone from Scotland. It was made by the Picts, who were people living in Scotland many centuries ago. This special stone is known as a Class I Pictish stone. It was found near Strathmartine, which is in an area called Angus.
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What is the Strathmartine Castle Stone?
The Strathmartine Castle Stone is a large piece of rock with carvings on it. These carvings are called symbols. The stone is made from a type of rock called Old Red Sandstone. It stands about 1.35 meters tall, which is taller than most kids your age!
The Pictish Symbols
The stone has two main symbols carved into its surface. These are known as Pictish symbols. They tell us a little bit about the ancient Picts.
- The Pictish Beast: One symbol looks like a strange, long-necked animal. Historians call it the "Pictish beast." We don't know exactly what animal it's supposed to be, but it's a common symbol on Pictish stones.
- The Crescent and V-Rod: The other symbol looks like a crescent moon with a zigzag line, or "v-rod," going through it. This symbol is also found on many other Pictish stones. Its meaning is still a mystery to us today.
Where Did It Come From?
This ancient stone was originally part of a wall. It was built into a wall southeast of Strathmartine Castle in Angus. Imagine finding such an old piece of art just sitting in a wall!
In the early 1900s, the stone was moved. It went to a private home in Dundee. Later, in 1969, the Dundee Museums bought the stone.
Where Can You See It Today?
Today, you can visit the Strathmartine Castle Stone in a museum. It is on display at the McManus Galleries in Dundee, Scotland. It's a great way to see a real piece of history from the Picts!
