Several key historical sites are selected based upon their significance and importance for both British and Scottish cultural identity. The key sites, listed in the order of the trip schedule, are highlighted below:

Orkney Mainland. Brae. Skara Brae is located off of the Northeast coast of Scotland on the mainland Orkney island near the town of Sandwick. It is considered the “best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe” and is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage site. Discovered in 1850, the 5000-year-old village has been archaeologically excavated, exposing nine Neolithic houses. In addition to the ancient site, students will be able to explore the replica Neolithic house, visitor center and museum. We will also visit the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge, the Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge, and the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn and visitor center. The Brodgar stone circle is comprised of 36 surviving upright stones. Additionally, there are 13 prehistoric burial mounds that have been located on the site. While students will likely be familiar with the standing stones of Stonehenge, these additional stone circles will provide a good contrast in structure and significance. Live archaeological excavation near the Ring of Brodgar will be active during our visit. Dr. Comstock will arrange for a visit at the excavation site.

Inverness and nearby sites. Students would take a half-day tour of Culloden battlefield and museum, Clava Cairn, and Loch Ness. Culloden is the site of the final battle of the Jacobite Uprising in 1746 in which the highland supporters of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, trying to regain the throne, fought with the Duke of Cumberland’s governmental troops. More than 1500 men died with over 1000 among the Jacobites. The culturally important site is marked by headstones of the clansmen who died. Clava Cairns is a bronze age cemetery with passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairns, and standing stones. The site dates back approximately 4,000 years. Additionally, we would travel a short distance to Loch Ness.

Hadrian’s Wall. Romans built the 73-mile wall beginning approximately in 122 CE. Three legions of Roman soldiers built the wall over the next six years. The original wall was a maximum of 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with a gate every mile and turrets every third of a mile. The English Heritage Society notes that the wall was both defensive (against the north) and as a show of Roman might. At Vindolanda students will tour the museum and large excavated Roman fort complex as well as interact with archaeologists conducting a live excavation on the site. This will give students, unfamiliar with archaeological methods, an opportunity to see first-hand the meticulous work involved in excavation. At Housesteads, students will visit a museum and tour the remains of a Roman Fort, including barracks, latrine and officer’s quarters. The fort would have supported 800 soldiers. Nearby, students will visit the Roman Army Museum and potentially a live excavation on site (expected to begin excavation in Summer 2023). The Roman army and structures represent the ‘working-class’ of Roman society. This will provide a contrast to the elite Roman structures in Bath.

York. The city of York has a varied history that includes occupation by the Roman and Scandinavians (Vikings). Archeological evidence suggests that early settlements date to the Mesolithic period. Romans founded the city of York between the 1st and 2nd century. In the 3rd century, the Romans built a wall that encircled the city. Students will be able to see portions of the wall that remain. The Romans abandoned the town in 407CE. In 866 the Vikings conquered northern England and York (Jorvik) became the capital of the Viking territory. The Scandinavians ruled over the prosperous village for over one hundred years. Students would visit the Jorvik Viking Center, The Shambles, York Minster, and tour the medieval walls encircling the city. At Jorvik Viking Center, students will experience 10th century York by riding through a re-created settlement which includes the sights, sounds, and smells. Following the experiential ride, the students will tour a museum housing an interesting array of well-preserved archaeologically recovered artifacts. The Shambles is a 14th century area of traditional timber-framed buildings in the old section of York. York Minster is the largest gothic building in Britain. If possible, we would arrange for students to see the live archaeological dig site in York where Viking artifacts and structures are currently being excavated.

Bath. The city of Bath, England is a World Heritage Site. The Roman baths were built around 50 CE and a town developed around that temple. By the 4th century, Roman civilization in the area began to decline and the town fell into disrepair. In the 6th century, the Saxons invaded and captured Bath. The Medieval period brought renewed revival and construction, in the early 12^th century, of the Bath Abbey. The 18th century was a period of renewal, once again, with the construction of the Royal Crescent, Assembly Rooms, the Octagon, Margaret Chapel and Pulteney Bridge. Tourism drives the Bath economy. Bath is somewhat unique in the ability to physically see the built structure of one culture upon another over time. Students would tour the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and a Redbus tour of the city sites. Additionally, students would have time to tour on their own the Jane Austen Center, the Fashion Museum, or other city sites.

Henges: Stonehenge; Woodhenge, Avebury. Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is likely the most recognizable prehistoric monument in England. These Neolithic monuments and earth-works remain a mystery, despite extensive archaeological analysis and debate. Students will explore the informative Stonehenge visitor center prior to a visit to the historic site. Woodhenge and Avebury are less well known, but they are key to understanding the extent and range of henges. At Avebury, students will be able to walk up to and touch the upright stones.

London. Several museums in London could be of interest: British Museum, Natural Museum of History, and the Museum of London. Students would visit the British Museum and at least one other museum to better understand what is preserved and the meaning attached to those artifacts. In addition to the museums, students would take a 1 hour river cruise on the River Thames. Students would have a free day to explore other sites in London.