Posted on 03/12/2007 11:15:11 AM PDT by blam
Experts reveal 'ancient massacre'
The Neolithic bones were discovered at Wayland's Smithy
Bones found at a prehistoric burial site indicate they belonged to victims of an ancient massacre, say scientists. Remains of 14 people were discovered at Wayland's Smithy, near Uffington White Horse, Oxfordshire, in the 1960s.
Latest techniques date the bones at between 3590 BC and 3560 BC, and have led experts to believe the people may have died in a Neolithic Age massacre.
English Heritage carried out the work with the help of Cardiff University and the University of Central Lancashire.
Flint arrowhead
Michael Wysocki of the University of Central Lancashire says the findings suggest the Neolithic Age was more violent than previously thought.
The victims - three of them probably killed by arrows - could have died in a rush for land or livestock, he added.
He said: "We know one person was shot through the lower abdomen because we have found the tiny tip of a flint arrowhead embedded in their pelvic bone.
"We also know that the bodies of two people were scavenged and partially dismembered by dogs or wolves before their remains were buried in the monument.
"All this new evidence suggests that the period between 3625 BC and 3590 BC may have been one of increasing social tension and upheaval."
Revealing comparisons
The research also indicates that the use of Neolithic long barrows was short-lived - and did not take place over hundreds of years as previously thought.
English Heritage radiocarbon dating expert Alex Bayliss said: "With this research, we can now think about the Neolithic period in terms of individuals and communities and make useful and revealing comparisons between their choices and behaviour in the remote past.
"This dating programme demands a revolution in our thinking about prehistory and not just that of early Neolithic burial monuments in southern Britain."
Well you know those weren't literal years. Maybe if they find the Ark and carbon date it, thing will be more clear.
Beziers.
Another blow to the Noble Savage at peace with his world?
This is proof that the bush' have a history of invading other countries.
Idiot.
What? The Torah isn't literal?
No: Stone Age ;P
Choices? Behavior? Ugh. PC madness.
> Thermopylae and Agincourt. Now those were massacres.
Neither Thermopylae nor Agincourt were massacres, unless viewed from the side of the Bad Guys.
The Spartans and Greeks, outnumbered, performed a brilliantly disciplined defense that, ultimately, led to being wiped out to a man. But it was the Persians, not the Spartans/Greeks, who got the short end of that stick. No massacre there...
At Agincourt, Henry V was badly outnumbered and had mostly infantry troops: the French had heavy cavalry and should have won. Zoot Alors! The French picked their battle foolishly and got skewered by Henry's Welsh longbow archers, while wallowing in the slippery deep mud in heavy armor with useless cavalry chargers. No massacre here either: a brilliant defense against all odds, and taken to its natural conclusions.
Now Custer's Last Stand was a proper massacre... as was Culloden Moor, as was Glencoe...
I was talking about the Bad-Guy point of view. Like the Little Bighorn, Isandlwana was also a massacre for the good guys. A day later, Rorke's Drift was the reverse.
"300" was a great film, made in Quebec of all places. I heartily recommend it.
14, but who's counting.
> "300" was a great film, made in Quebec of all places. I heartily recommend it.
Quebec rocks! And I can hardly wait until "300" is released in New Zealand: John Kass of the Chicago Tribune has heartily endorsed "300", and I have a very high opinion of his views...
...and now, I also have a high opinion of yours!
If you ever get the chance to spend any amount of time in Quebec -- recommended! -- take the time to try to "fit in". Show them Respect by trying to speak French: no matter how rusty your French is, you'll find that the Quebecois all speak excellent English and that they appreciate your genuine efforts!
I have never had a better time, nor ever met a more hospitable bunch of good, friendly, genuine people, than the time I spent in Quebec. Everybody should try to have a holiday in Quebec at least once in their lives: Montreal is Party Central for North America, and Quebec City is the hospitality capital of the Western Hemisphere: just Magic!
Pure Magic. It is like visiting a different, unspoiled world.
Funny, that: "respect", I mean. If you give Respect, it is often or almost always reciprocated.
Thank you for that 'review' of the cities of French Canada. Having been to Toronto and having spoken with some very nice French-Canadians there, I'm eager to see the French portion of Canada. I also want to see Newfoundland and "Anne of Green Gables" country. Maybe my next vacation? I'd like to go before a passport is required. Right now, you don't need a passport if you're driving or going on a bus, but you do need one for air travel to Canada.
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