Archeologists unearth a ‘major’ early Christian monastery in Scotland
The site, located on the island of Lismore, may have been established by Saint Mo Luóc in the sixth century C.E.
In a community-led archaeological endeavor, the remains of an early medieval monastery known as Lios Mòr were discovered in Argyll, western Scotland. This monastery, previously known only from historical references and local traditions, has been identified as a high-ranking ecclesiastical center, comparable to some of the most important monastic sites in early medieval Britain.
The Christian church played a significant role in shaping religious, intellectual, and political life during the early medieval period across northwestern Europe, including Scotland. The Lismore Historical Society initiated a study of the island's 13th-century cathedral, aiming to determine if it was also the location of Mo Luóc's early monastery and assess its scale and significance.
The excavation and geophysical survey unearthing extensive burial grounds, high-status craftworking areas, and evidence of precious-metal working revealed that Lismore was far more than a small island church. These findings suggest that the island was a thriving center of worship, craftsmanship, and learning, with potential wealth and influence similar to some of the most renowned monasteries in early medieval Britain.
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