Headlines in Iron Age Discoveries: July 2009

Located under the Roman site of Calleva Atrebatum, evidence suggests that an Iron Age town was in the making , right in the southern part of England. It has taken archeologists from Berkshire 12 summers of excavation to have reached details of the past dating back to the 1st Century AD. Archeologists believe they have found signs of what they believe to be the makings of an Iron Age or one of the earliest Roman towns.

Iron Age Town Revealed

Sifting through the remains of a Roman settlement in north Hampshire, archeologists are sure they have happened upon evidence that a town dating back to the Iron Age existing at the location. Ever since 1997, the University of Reading’s Archaeology Department has spent their time and energy digging at the Silchester Roman site called Calleva Atrebatum.

The team is confident that they can prove that inhabitants thousands of years ago had a planned layout for the town, especially with the discovery of a street-grid that looks to have been put in place before the Romans arrived in 43 AD. Evidence of widespread burning at the site also provides further clues. This find along with other details seem to suggest that the site was destroyed by the order of Queen Boudicca, who in 60/61 AD headed a significant uprising against the Roman forces occupying the land. Roman occupation is hugely significant. It was not thought the revolt passed this way.”

If you happen to plan a visit to the region, note that visitors can watch the excavation in progress. Simply visit the site any day except for Fridays until August 9th.

Human Skeleton Uncovered

Imagine the surprise on the faces of the children who uncovered a human skeleton located under a flat rock at Ballybunion Golf Course in Ireland. A representative of the National Museum believes that the remains date back to the Iron Age , calculated as living somewhere around 2000 BC or from 2000 BC to 700 AD. An expert has had the chance to investigate the remains, which has been nicknamed ‘Sammie.’ His final resting place turned out to be in the sand hills situated at the far end of the course , close to Cashen River.

Interestingly, the property (a golf course with international recognition) is in the process of planning the extension of its number of holes. The skeleton was found in a complete state, protected by a flat rock and positioned in a ‘tomb.’ Once the children made their discovery, they quickly returned to alert others of their find. At first, adults thought the children’s story was a mistake since it was quite common to locate animal bones in the area. It took a human skull and other bones to make the adults believe, which were promptly transported by the elder brother of one of the children that found the bones.

The bones are not the only finds dating back in the past, the golf course has also produced bronze pins discovered during the 1930s, and an iron knife uncovered in 1972.