A team of archaeologists from the UCL Institute of Archaeology has uncovered an array of sizeable prehistoric stone tools in the United Kingdom. The excavation, carried out in Kent prior to the establishment of the Maritime Academy School in Frindsbury, revealed ancient artifacts embedded within deep sediments from the Ice Age, which were impeccably preserved on a hillside overlooking the Medway Valley.
The researchers, hailing from UCL Archaeology South-East, stumbled upon a trove of 800 stone artifacts estimated to be over 300,000 years old. These artifacts were discovered within sediments that had accumulated in a sinkhole and an ancient river channel. The detailed findings of this discovery have been published in the scholarly journal “Internet Archaeology.”
Among the excavated relics were two particularly large flint knives that are being referred to as “giant handaxes.” Handaxes, characterized by their symmetrical shape and extended cutting edge, are stone tools crafted through chipping on both sides. It is speculated that these implements were primarily utilized for butchering animals and slicing meat. The two largest handaxes found at the Maritime site possess distinctive attributes, including an elongated and finely crafted pointed tip, as well as a notably thicker base.
According to Senior Archaeologist Letty Ingrey from the UCL Institute of Archaeology, these tools are deemed “giant” when they measure over 22 centimeters in length. Remarkably, one of the handaxes discovered spans an impressive 29.5 centimeters, making it one of the most substantial specimens ever found in Britain. These “giant handaxes” are typically associated with the Thames and Medway regions and are believed to date back to more than 300,000 years ago.
Ingrey further elaborated that the enormity of these handaxes raises questions about their practical use and functionality. It’s conceivable that their significance transcends practicality and ventures into the realm of symbolism, showcasing strength and skill. While the precise purpose of these unusually large tools and the specific early human species responsible for their creation remain uncertain, this discovery offers a promising avenue for addressing these intriguing inquiries.
The archaeological site is presumed to originate from a period in Britain’s early prehistory when Neanderthal populations and their cultures were emerging. This era may have also witnessed the coexistence of different early human species within the same landscape. The Medway Valley during this epoch would have been characterized by a wilderness of wooded hills and river valleys, inhabited by diverse fauna including red deer, horses, and even less familiar creatures like the now-extinct straight-tusked elephant and lion.
Although previous archaeological finds in the Medway Valley have yielded artifacts of similar antiquity, including another remarkable “giant” handaxe, this excavation stands out as the first large-scale effort to unearth such relics. This extensive undertaking provides a unique opportunity to glean deeper insights into the lives and practices of the ancient artisans.
Dr. Matt Pope, affiliated with the UCL Institute of Archaeology, highlighted the value of this endeavor in comprehending the evolution of an Ice Age landscape that developed over a span of a quarter of a million years. A comprehensive scientific analysis involving experts from UCL and other prominent UK institutions is underway to unravel the significance of the site for its ancient inhabitants and the ways in which stone artifacts, particularly the “giant handaxes,” aided their adaptation to the challenges presented by the Ice Age environment.
The research team is currently engaged in the meticulous identification and study of the retrieved artifacts. This endeavor aims to shed light on the creators of these artifacts and the purposes they served. Furthermore, another notable discovery on the site, a Roman cemetery dating back to a significantly later period than the Ice Age activity, is being investigated under the leadership of Senior Archaeologist Giles Dawkes. This cemetery, dated between the first and fourth centuries AD, provides insights into burial customs and traditions of both the villa inhabitants and the nearby town of Rochester.
The significance of this discovery extends to the local community, as expressed by Jody Murphy, Director of Education at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust. The opportunity to educate young people about these archaeological revelations is considered a lasting legacy that connects the present with the rich history of Medway. The discovery not only provides a glimpse into the lives of ancient people but also underscores the region’s historical depth and cultural heritage.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about prehistoric artifacts
What was discovered in the recent archaeological excavation in Kent?
Archaeologists from the UCL Institute of Archaeology unearthed a collection of ancient stone artifacts, including notably large flint knives referred to as “giant handaxes.” These handaxes, estimated to be over 300,000 years old, were found within deep Ice Age sediments preserved on a hillside overlooking the Medway Valley.
What are giant handaxes?
Giant handaxes are stone tools that have been symmetrically shaped with a long cutting edge on both sides. They are typically created through a process of chipping, or “knapping.” The term “giant” is used for handaxes measuring over 22 centimeters in length. In this recent discovery, some of these handaxes measure up to a colossal 29.5 centimeters.
What might giant handaxes have been used for?
While the precise purpose of these giant handaxes remains uncertain, researchers speculate that they could have been used for activities like butchering animals and cutting meat. These tools may have also held symbolic significance, showcasing strength and skill. However, their exact functions in the ancient societies are still a subject of investigation.
What is the significance of the site’s location?
The excavation site, located in Kent, offers insights into the early prehistory of Britain. During this period, various early human species, including Neanderthals, were emerging. The site’s geological context indicates a landscape characterized by wooded hills and river valleys, inhabited by diverse fauna such as red deer, horses, and now-extinct species like the straight-tusked elephant and lion.
What makes this discovery unique?
This excavation is distinctive in that it represents the first large-scale effort to unearth a substantial collection of such artifacts in the Medway Valley. Previous discoveries have also yielded similar ancient tools, but this endeavor provides a comprehensive opportunity to study the lives of the ancient artisans and gain deeper insights into their practices.
What is the ongoing research focus?
The research team is currently engaged in identifying and studying the retrieved artifacts to better understand their creators and functions. Additionally, a Roman cemetery dating to a later period than the Ice Age has been discovered on the same site. This offers a unique window into the burial customs and traditions of both the villa inhabitants and the nearby town of Rochester.
How is the local community involved?
The Maritime Academy School and the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, with strong ties to the local community, consider themselves fortunate to be part of this discovery. They plan to use this unique opportunity to educate young people about the finds, creating a lasting connection between the past and the present in the Medway region.
More about prehistoric artifacts
- UCL Institute of Archaeology
- Internet Archaeology journal
- Maritime Academy School
- Archaeology South-East
- Neanderthal culture
- Ice Age sediments
- Medway Valley archaeological site
