In Kent, researchers from the University College London (UCL) Institute of Archaeology have made a significant discovery of some of the largest early prehistoric stone tools found in Britain.
The excavations carried out prior to the development of the Maritime Academy School in Frindsbury unveiled prehistoric artifacts in deep Ice Age sediments on a hillside above the Medway Valley.
300,000-Year-Old Stone Tools Unearthed
In the study, titled "A New Palaeolithic Giant Handaxe from Britain: Initial Results from Excavations at Maritime Academy, Medway, Kent" published in the journal Internet Archaeology, researchers from UCL Archaeology South-East detailed their discovery of 800 stone tools estimated to be over 300,000 years old.
The artifacts are buried within sediments that filled a sinkhole and an ancient river channel. The excavation uncovered two remarkably large flint knives referred to as "giant handaxes." These handaxes, stone artifacts crafted symmetrically on both sides through chipping or knapping, feature a long cutting edge.
Researchers suggest that such tools were typically held by hand and likely served purposes such as animal butchery and meat cutting. The two largest handaxes discovered at the Maritime site possess a distinctive design characterized by a finely worked pointed tip and a significantly thicker base.
Archaeologist Letty Ingrey from UCL Institute of Archaeology revealed the discovery of exceptionally large stone tools referred to as "giants," measuring over 22cm in length.
Among them, one colossal handaxe stands out, measuring 29.5cm and ranking among the longest ever found in Britain. These "giant handaxes" are typically found in the Thames and Medway regions and date back to over 300,000 years ago.
The unusually large size of these handaxes raises questions about their practicality and usage. It is speculated that they may have served a symbolic or less practical purpose, showcasing strength, and skill. Although the specific reasons behind the production of such large tools and the identity of the early human species responsible remain uncertain, the site presents an exciting opportunity to explore and find answers to these intriguing questions.
Ancient Ice Age Site Reveals Prehistory of Britain
The excavation site is believed to belong to a period in early British prehistory when the emergence of Neanderthals and their cultures was taking place, potentially alongside other early human species within the same landscape, BBC News reported. During this era, the Medway Valley would have encompassed an untamed environment of wooded hills and river valleys, as described by the researchers.
The region would have been home to various animals, including red deer and horses, as well as now-extinct species like the straight-tusked elephant and lion, which might be unfamiliar to us today.
Dr. Matt Pope from UCL Institute of Archaeology expressed the significance of the excavations at the Maritime Academy, providing a valuable opportunity to study the development of an entire Ice Age landscape that existed over 250,000 years ago.
In addition to the Ice Age discoveries, the team also made an important finding of a Roman cemetery at the site, dating back at least 250,000 years after the Ice Age activity occurred. This reveals a later historical context that further enriches the understanding of the site's extensive history.
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