Archaeologists from the University of California have discovered some of the largest prehistoric stone tools in England. The results of the research scientists are published in the journal internet archeology.
The team was excavating deep Ice Age sediments preserved on a hillside above the Medway Valley in Kent. During the study, scientists managed to find 800 stone artifacts that are more than 300,000 years old.
Among the finds were two extremely large flint axes – one of them more than 29 cm long, a record size for England. Researchers believe these tools were used for cutting meat.
“These axes are so big it’s hard to imagine how they could be held and used. Perhaps they performed a more symbolic function and clearly showed the strength and skill of their owner. But so far we cannot name their exact purpose, ”explained the archaeologists.
The research team is currently working on identifying and examining the recovered artifacts to better understand who created them and why.
The site also revealed a Roman cemetery containing the remains of 25 people buried between the first and fourth centuries AD. Four were buried in wooden coffins, 13 were cremated, and nine were buried with their personal belongings. Ceramics and animal bones were also found near the cemetery – this may indicate festive rituals during the burial.
Roman buildings and structures have been extensively excavated, but cemeteries have been bypassed by archaeologists. Therefore, the discovery of this place allows us to take a new look at the burial customs and traditions of the people who lived here.
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