Artefacts recovered in what is being described as one of the biggest and most important Iron Age hoards ever found in the UK could change our understanding of life in Britain 2,000 years ago, The Guardian reports.
The excavation of the artefacts – more than 800 altogether – was undertaken after the site in a field near the village of Melsonby, North Yorkshire was identified just before Christmas 2021 by a metal detectorist, Peter Heads.
He contacted Professor Tom Moore, the head of archaeology at Durham University, who saw right away the potential significance of what had been uncovered, according to The Guardian.
The artefacts – parts from wagons and/or chariots including 28 iron tyres, elaborate harnesses for at least 14 horses, bridle bits, ceremonial spears and two beautifully ornate cauldrons – date back to the first century, around the time of the Roman conquest of Britain under Emperor Claudius.
It is thought the objects are likely associated with a tribe called the Brigantes who controlled most of northern England.
Professor Moore is quoted as saying: “Finding a hoard or collection of ten objects is unusual, it’s exciting, but finding something of this scale is just unprecedented.”
[Photo: Cultured.North East https://www.culturednortheast.co.uk/p/an-incredible-once-in-a-lifetime]