Constructed and used some time between 200BC and 200AD, at first glance the Midhowe broch appears to have been built with defence in mind.
Standing on a promontory formed by two geos, the broch is protected on one side by the sea and on the landward side by a stone rampart and ditch. This massive rampart is built in an arc between the two geos and effectively cuts off access from the land.
Although there is no doubt that these outward defences would have looked impressive in their heyday, it may be that they were merely built for dramatic effect.
The southern end of the rampart stops short of the geo and leaves a ledge on the rock face by which a "visitor" could easily gain access to the promontory.
Like the Broch of Gurness, Midhowe is surrounded by a group of external buildings. These, however, are probably from a later date, a time when the need for defence was not as important.
http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/brochs/midhowe/
Midhowe Broch
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