Archaeologists in England have discovered evidence of a large ceremonial site and possibly brutal human sacrifice. While excavating a 4000 year old Iron Age site at Wellwick Farm near Wendover, England, as part of the High Speed 2 (HS2) project (the largest railway project in European history), Archaeologists have discovered the skeleton of a man. Buried face down, hands tied below the pelvis, are believed to be the remains of an Iron Age murder victim.
The skeleton of an Iron Age murder victim has been found during excavations of an archaeological site at Wellwick Farm near Wendover. ( HS2 )
As reported by the BBC, this unique tomb was found along with extensive archaeological evidence of human activity from the Neolithic period to the Middle Ages. However, Dr Rachel Wood explains that the circumstances surrounding the Wellwick Farm man’s death remain a mystery. “There aren’t many ways to fall to the bottom of a ditch, face down, with your hands tied,” Dr. Wood added. He hopes a team of rheumatologists will now “be able to shed more light on this potentially terrible death.”
Archaeologists also found an Iron Age funerary monument, which was used only by people of high status. ( HS2 )
Could Wellwick Farm be an archaeological site?
Archaeologists believe that during the Bronze and Iron Ages, the area around Wellwick Farm was home to increased settlement, which is evident by the discovery of a roundhouse equipped with animal stables. and pits containing discarded food. During the Roman period, this early occupation is said to have shifted the focus to the present location of Wendover, but the Wellwick Farm site continued to be used for burials.
The team also discovered jewelry, such as this ring, that may date back to the Iron Age. ( HS2 )
In addition to finding the remains of Iron Age murder victims, archaeologists working at the site also discovered a large square enclosure containing a coffin, Hertiage Daily reported. lead-lined wood with a skeleton inside. It is believed that the object belonged to a high-status individual, as they needed to have enough surplus income to fund a relatively expensive burial.
The remains of a Roman tomb were found in a square area. The skeleton was placed in a coffin lined with lead and what was once the outer layer of wood. ( HS2 )
The team of archaeologists also discovered structural evidence of a 65-metre (213 ft) diameter ceremonial circle of wooden posts, similar to the logging site at Woodhenge in Salisbury Plain. The ruins found at Wellwick Farm were also aligned and oriented with the rising and setting sun on the winter solstice, suggesting the presence of ancient astronomical and geometrical knowledge that is now studied. research using the principles and principles of archaeological astronomy.
Archaeologists excavating the area around Wellwick Farm have also discovered a 65 meter (213 ft) diameter Neolithic ceremonial circle of wooden pillars dated to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old. , which is evidence of the site’s ceremonial importance. ( HS2 )
Construction of the railway project was seen as an archaeological opportunity
A report published by the Media Center at HS2 quotes Dr Rachel Wood as saying: “The large wooden ceremonial structure, Roman lead tomb and the mystery of the skeleton at Wellwick Farm help bring to life evokes the fact that people lived, worked and died in this area long before we arrived.”
Mike Court, HS2 Archeology Lead, explains that before the low-carbon high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham is built, archaeologists will discover “a wealth of archeology that will enrich our cultural heritage”. Court sees this massive construction project as an archaeological opportunity: “The sheer scale of the possible discoveries, the geographical scope as well as the vast scope of our history to be unearthed makes HS2’s archeology program becomes a unique opportunity to tell the story of Buckinghamshire and England. .”
Get down and dig: Engaging the public in archeology at home
The announcement of these discoveries coincides with the start of the Festival of British Archeology which takes place over nine days from 11 to 19 July 2020. HS2 is running digital events showcasing the discoveries Recent Archeology aims to help people explore archeology at home. Events include A Day of Archaeology, Ask an Archaeologist Day and the Shout Out Loud project, all of which aim to engage the public with innovative online archaeology. Children can join Megan of Barnsley Digs to open an official archaeological dig in their garden or backyard.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Festival of British Archeology is “A Day in the Life of… A Field Research Technician” . Organized by Wessex Archaeology, the event offers an experiential insight into the daily lives of the organisation’s machine operators and archaeologists who help remove sites archeology at the top and underground levels so that key areas can be identified and explored. All these fascinating discoveries and more will soon be featured in an upcoming BBC documentary.
