A group of archaeologists recently discovered an ancient iron sword near a Celtic chariot burial site in southern Britain. The groundbreaking find was made during an excavation at a location that was initially identified by metal detectorist Mike Smith last year. Smith, 46, stumbled upon a part of a horse harness in February 2018 on farmland in Pembrokeshire, west Wales, leading to the subsequent uncovering of the chariot’s wheels. The site has now been sealed off for further investigation and excavation, shedding light on this historical gem.
In a recent excavation, archaeologists came across a tire iron that was believed to have belonged to a landowner during the Iron Age. Additionally, they uncovered more wheels at the site and are hopeful to find more artifacts buried beneath the farmland. Check out the video below for more details.
In a groundbreaking find, archaeologists unearthed two iron tires and a sword at the first Celtic chariot burial site in southern Britain. The remarkable discovery was made by metal detectorist Mike Smith, 46, in February 2018 on a farm in the picturesque area of Pembrokeshire, west Wales. The chariot wheels found at the site add a fascinating piece to the historical puzzle of ancient Celtic culture.
After a preliminary investigation conducted in June 2018 by archaeologists from the National Museum Wales and Dyfed Archaeological Trust, a excavation was conducted in March and April, with funding from the National Museum Wales, and uncovered the Iron Age sword (shown in the picture). In a recent inquest in January, it was determined that the site is now legally protected, and Mr. Smith is required by law to sell the 34 artifacts to a museum. The payment from the sales must be split evenly with the landowner. Mr. Smith expressed his disbelief, saying, “I still can’t wrap my head around it. I’ve seen other people’s discoveries and watched them on TV, and I always thought, ‘I wouldn’t mind finding something like that.’ It’s still surreal and truly life-changing.”
He says he could potentially earn around £1 million from his discovery. Officials at Cadw, which is similar to English Heritage in Wales, have praised the find as a one-of-a-kind archaeological discovery. Adam Gwilt, the main curator of ancient archaeological artifacts at National Museum Wales, stated that this is the first chariot burial ever discovered in southern Britain, not just in Wales.
In late Iron Age Britain, chariots were more than just vehicles – they symbolized power and belonging within tribal communities. The intricate decorations on these artifacts serve as evidence of this. Although the original owners remain a mystery, it is believed that they were individuals of importance within their tribe. National Museum Wales is looking forward to showcasing these chariot wheels and sword at St Fagans National Museum of History.
In Wales, researchers from Pembrokeshire College, Jay Cooper and Tom Urack, are studying an ancient iron age sword that was recently discovered by archaeologists.
Authorities cordoned off the area for a preliminary dig, during which archaeologists uncovered the remains of two chariot wheels. Subsequent excavations have yielded additional discoveries including tyre irons, a sword, and a collection of ancient artifacts believed to have belonged to a wealthy individual from the Iron Age.
The precise location of the site has been shrouded in secrecy for a significant excavation project. During the inquest held in January, it was revealed that the site is now under legal protection, and in accordance with the law, Mr. Smith must sell the 34 artifacts to a museum.
Dr. Kate Roberts, the principal inspector of ancient monuments at Cadw, expressed her excitement about the unique archaeological find, sparking curiosity about the charioteer and the world they once inhabited. Through the study of these artifacts, there is a hope to gain insights into a period marked by significant changes as the Roman Empire extended its reach into Wales.
The National Museum Wales is eager to acquire these discoveries to ensure they are properly preserved and maintained for future generations to appreciate.
Drawing created by Jeremy Richards depicting a Celtic chariot being pulled by a horse, with a charioteer in Iron Age Britain. The Iron Age is a historical period from around 1200 BC to 600 BC, characterized by diverse cultural developments in different regions rather than a singular archaeological horizon.
Parts of the chariot have been preserved and will soon be on display in a museum. The value of the discovery is estimated to be in the six or seven figures. This find is considered to be the largest ever made by a metal detector, as no chariot has ever been found through this method before. While hoards have been uncovered in the past, nothing of this magnitude has ever been seen.
Mike initially believed he had stumbled upon a medieval brooch, but it turned out to be a valuable part of a Celtic horse harness. Intrigued, he returned the next day and discovered more red enamel pieces dating back to AD 25 to 75. Excited about the significance of his findings, Mike, from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, recognized their importance right away. He expressed his excitement, saying, “It was just instinct. I’d read all about chariot burials and just wished it could have been me, so finding this has been a privilege.” Later, ground-penetrating radar revealed buried ditches and walls, hinting at the existence of a large Celtic settlement in the area.
