As the climate warmed after the Ice Age, people followed the
animals into a land that provided the resources they needed in
order to thrive. It was the beginning of 10,000 years of human
existence in Scotland.
Who were the people of prehistory?
In most cases we don't know. We don't know what they looked
like, how they dressed or did their hair, what they thought or how
they spoke. But we do know that every object displayed in this
gallery has some connection with an individual or a group of
people. Someone made it, someone wore it, someone used it. Many of
the things you will see were found in someone's home or someone's
grave.
Meet the ancestors
The exhibition's absentees are introduced through People,
figures sculpted by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. The figures stand for
Scotland's early people. They are abstract because there is little
evidence to help us identify and describe them realistically. Each
group of figures also highlights a section of the exhibition.
In the gallery
What was everyday life like for early people in Scotland? How
did they hunt for food, prepare meals and dress? Discover how they
used the resources around them to survive and thrive.
Travellers and incomers brought new objects and new ideas to the
people of Scotland. But how did people move around the country and
how did goods changing hands?
Find out more about early Scotland at war, during the Viking and
Roman invasions. How did early people assert their authority and
display their power?
How did people deal with death in early Scotland? What did they
believe? Trace the story of burials in Scotland and find out about
early beliefs and religious practices.
Fun and games
Our Discovery
Zone gives younger visitors a chance to get some hands on
experience of early life in Scotland.
Dress up as a Viking or Roman, investigate a Roman fort or play
the Viking trading game. Can you piece together the Pictish stone,
or solve the puzzle of the mystery objects?