Post by UKarchaeology on Apr 1, 2016 14:24:44 GMT
Bronze bracelet with coral decoration discovered at the site in Yorkshire. Photograph: MAP Archeology
Almost 2,000 years after being buried, the remarkably well-preserved remains of 150 skeletons and their personal possessions have been discovered in a small market town at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds.
The remains of the burial ground that contained skeletons of people from the middle-iron age Arras culture in Pocklington, east Yorkshire is being hailed as one of the largest and most significant iron age findings of recent times.
Some of the 75 square barrows – burial chambers – contained personal possessions such as jewellery and weapons. Archaeologists have also discovered a skeleton with a shield.
It is believed the site dates to the iron age, which in Britain lasted from 800BC until the time of the Roman conquest, which started in AD43.
The artefacts included jewellery, spears, swords and 360 amber and glass beads, brooches and ancient pots.
The stories you need to read, in one handy email
Read more
The discovery was made by a property developer who had excavated the site on Burnby Lane to begin work on building new homes. But the work was halted and archaeologists were called in after the housebuilder revealed the “rare” and “internationally important” settlement.
Archaeologists described the find as a “hugely important” and “fascinating” discovery that would reveal information about Britain’s hidden history.
“We are hoping that these findings shed light on the ritual of iron age burial – and, as we can assume from the shield and sword burials, these were significant members of society, so our understanding of culture and key figures of the time could be really enhanced,” said the site director, Paula Ware.
The unearthing of the burial ground will now lead to the largest study undertaken of the iron age population in the last 35 years.
Full story/pics: www.theguardian.com/science/2016/mar/17/hugely-important-iron-age-remains-found-yorkshire-site
More on the matter, "Warrior king uncovered at east Yorkshire iron age settlement": ukarchaeology.freeforums.net/thread/691/warrior-king-uncovered-yorkshire-settlement