A souterrain is an underground passage, or chamber, found in Ireland, Scotland and other countries such as France.
They could be as small as a closet or they could continue underground for quite a distance. Some archaeologists think they were used for hiding from enemies but the most common explanation is that they were used for food storage.
The underground temperature stays fairly even and in pre-refrigeration days these souterrains would be perfect for salted meat, grain, and wine.
The walls and ceiling of the souterrain were lined with stones.
Here is the entrance to a souterrain in Scotland, placed under a “kerbstone,” one of the giant stones at the base of a Neolithic monument.
This is another photo deep inside a souterrain. I found this photo on Flickr and I don’t know the man in the picture but he doesn’t look very comfortable! Note the water standing in the floor of the souterrain.
Subscribe To the Blog!
You never know what I might post about next! Bog bodies, secret passages, and amazing tombstones are all possibilities as well as the latest archaeological discovery.
You have Successfully Subscribed!