Ancient Scottish Lake-Dwellings or Crannogs: With a Supplementary Chapter on Remains of Lake-Dwellings in England
1882

Ancient Scottish Lake-Dwellings or Crannogs: With a Supplementary Chapter on Remains of Lake-Dwellings in England
1882
Ancient Scottish Lake-Dwellings or Crannogs, written by Robert Munro and first published in 1882, provides a detailed archaeological account of crannogs—artificial islands in Scotland's freshwater bodies. The book explores the significance of these lake-dwellings within the prehistoric context of Scotland, discussing preservation methods and the impact of lacustrine deposits on our understanding of ancient civilizations. Munro aims to compile existing knowledge on these structures, making it a crucial resource for scholars interested in Scottish antiquities and prehistoric peoples.
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The primary author and archaeologist conducting the crannog excavations. A medical doctor (M.D.) and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (F.S.A. Scot.) who systematically investigated ancient Scottish lake-dwellings.
Hon. Secretary of the Ayr and Wigtown Archaeological Association and M.P. for North Ayrshire. Key collaborator who facilitated many of the excavations and provided critical supervision throughout the research.
Keeper of the National Museum of the Antiquaries of Scotland who provided expert guidance and advice on the character of relics discovered during excavations.
Distinguished Oxford professor (M.D., F.R.S., F.S.A.) who provided expert analysis of animal bones and osseous remains from the crannogs, contributing crucial insights into the fauna.
About Ancient Scottish Lake-Dwellings or Crannogs: With a Supplementary Chapter on Remains of Lake-Dwellings in England
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Establishes the scope of prehistoric archaeology and explains how exceptional preservation conditions allow ancient materials to survive. Discusses the global context of lake-dwellings, including Irish crannogs and Continental pile-dwellings, providing comparative framework for Scottish discoveries.
- 2
- Chronicles early discoveries and investigations of Scottish crannogs from 1857 onwards. Reviews work by Dr. Joseph Robertson, John Mackinlay, and others, documenting various sites across Scotland with their structural features and artifacts.
- 3
- Detailed account of the systematic excavation of Lochlee crannog from 1878-79. Describes the complex wooden structures, multiple hearths, extensive artifact collection, and provides expert analysis of bones, flora, and construction techniques.
Key Themes
- Scientific Methodology in Archaeology
- Munro emphasizes systematic excavation, careful documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The work demonstrates the importance of methodical approaches to archaeological investigation versus casual antiquarian collecting.
- Preservation and Loss of Cultural Heritage
- The text repeatedly highlights how ancient structures and artifacts are threatened by modern development, drainage, and neglect. Many crannogs were destroyed before proper investigation could occur.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- The research involves archaeologists, botanists, geologists, anatomists, and local historians working together. This collaborative approach enriches understanding of prehistoric life and demonstrates the value of multiple perspectives.
Characters
- Robert Munro(protagonist)
- The primary author and archaeologist conducting the crannog excavations. A medical doctor (M.D.) and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (F.S.A. Scot.) who systematically investigated ancient Scottish lake-dwellings.
- R. W. Cochran-Patrick(major)
- Hon. Secretary of the Ayr and Wigtown Archaeological Association and M.P. for North Ayrshire. Key collaborator who facilitated many of the excavations and provided critical supervision throughout the research.
- Joseph Anderson(major)
- Keeper of the National Museum of the Antiquaries of Scotland who provided expert guidance and advice on the character of relics discovered during excavations.
- Professor Rolleston(major)
- Distinguished Oxford professor (M.D., F.R.S., F.S.A.) who provided expert analysis of animal bones and osseous remains from the crannogs, contributing crucial insights into the fauna.
- Dr. Joseph Robertson(major)
- F.S.A. Scot. who first systematically brought Scottish lake-dwellings to antiquarian attention in 1857, correctly interpreting these remains and establishing their archaeological importance.
- James Brown(minor)
- Tarbolton shopkeeper who first reported the Lochlee crannog discovery to authorities, having heard accounts from drainage workers about canoes and artificial structures.
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Munro, Robert. Ancient Scottish Lake-Dwellings or Crannogs: With a Supplementary Chapter on Remains of Lake-Dwellings in England. Lex, lex-books.com/book/ancient-scottish-lake-dwellings-or-crannogs-with-a-supplementary-chapter-on-rema-a4f14b0a-2e8f-4adc-9c5b-68b6779e9029.Munro, R. (1882). Ancient Scottish Lake-Dwellings or Crannogs: With a Supplementary Chapter on Remains of Lake-Dwellings in England. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/ancient-scottish-lake-dwellings-or-crannogs-with-a-supplementary-chapter-on-rema-a4f14b0a-2e8f-4adc-9c5b-68b6779e9029Munro, Robert. Ancient Scottish Lake-Dwellings or Crannogs: With a Supplementary Chapter on Remains of Lake-Dwellings in England. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/ancient-scottish-lake-dwellings-or-crannogs-with-a-supplementary-chapter-on-rema-a4f14b0a-2e8f-4adc-9c5b-68b6779e9029.

















