crannog

A crannog is an ancient type of island dwelling common in prehistoric Scotland and Ireland. These artificial islands were constructed in lochs, rivers, and marshes, typically by driving timbers into the lakebed to create a foundation, which was then filled with stone, earth, and brushwood. The dwelling itself, usually circular, was built on top of this platform. Crannogs served as defensible homes and often contained a single roundhouse.

The earliest known crannogs date back to the Mesolithic period, with the most significant construction occurring in the Iron Age and continuing into the medieval period. Archaeological evidence suggests their use varied, from simple residences to more complex settlements, sometimes featuring multiple structures and palisades. The construction methods and materials varied depending on the local environment and the available resources.

The purpose of crannogs was primarily defensive. Their location in water made them difficult to access for attackers, and they could be further protected by causeways or boats. They also offered a degree of isolation and could provide a stable building platform in otherwise marshy terrain.

Discoveries of crannogs have yielded valuable artifacts, including pottery, tools, weapons, and even preserved organic materials, offering insights into the daily lives, diet, and technology of the people who inhabited them. Many crannogs have been submerged and are only visible at low water levels, while others have been partially or fully excavated by archaeologists. The study of crannogs continues to provide crucial information about early European settlement patterns and societal structures.