"The brochs are among the most remarkable prehistoric buildings in Europe. However, despite a long and colourful history of research, it is only in the last 20 years that the results of field survey, excavation and radiocarbon dating have begun to provide a clear picture of their evolution and development from around 600 BC to AD 100." "This well-illustrated book describes the current state of our knowledge, explores the controversies over their origins and function, and provides an annotated list of the most accessible and well-preserved broch sites."--BOOK JACKET.