First Celtic chariot burial found in Wales
A metal detectorist has found what is thought to be the first Celtic chariot burial to be uncovered in Wales.
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Fragments of enamelled bronze which fit together[Credit: Mike Smith] |
Mike Smith believes his find may point to a huge undiscovered Iron Age settlement nearby.
National Museum Wales describes the finds as "significant and exciting".
The actual location in south Pembrokeshire is being kept secret while archaeologists prepare for a major dig next year.
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A bridle fitting which Mike discovered in the field [Credit: Mike Smith] |
But this time he found what he first thought was a medieval brooch.
He emailed a picture to an expert contact who said it was part of a Celtic horse harness dating from around 600 BC.
Mr Smith, from Milford Haven, went straight back the following day.
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A Celtic terret ring, a metal loop for a horse's harness [Credit: Mike Smith] |
"I knew the importance of them straight away," said Mr Smith who has been prospecting for around 30 years.
"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."
He still had to convince the experts. One of the first he spoke to told him: "No, you're wrong. One's never been found in this part of the country."
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Chains from a pony bridle [Credit: Mike Smith] |
Ground penetrating radar showed a pattern of buried ditches and walls, suggesting a large, previously unknown Celtic settlement, possibly bigger than Castell Henllys - an important archaeological site in north Pembrokeshire.
Then a trial excavation revealed the tops of a pair of chariot wheels.
"Often the wheels were laid flat," said Mr Smith. "But this one appeared to have been buried intact. It could have had the chieftain or queen sitting in it. There would have been a mound over it but that has gone."
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A small terret ring for a horse's harness [Credit: Mike Smith] |
The site has now been recovered and given legal protection, with a full excavation planned for next year.
A National Museum Wales spokesman said: "Full excavation of the site and analysis of the find will need to be carried out before we can fully understand its importance.
"National Museum Wales is working with its partners on this continuing treasure case and in developing a detailed and fully funded proposal for further investigation.
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The flower-shaped bridle decoration was the first find [Credit: Mike Smith] |
Mr Smith's finds will now be the subject of an inquest.
But what is still exciting him is a 3m metal anomaly shown up by the scans and actually underneath the chariot.
"It could be weapons. Or it could be treasure," he said.
Source: BBC News Website [November 22, 2018]
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