Posted on 03/17/2008 1:56:56 PM PDT by blam
Bronze Age burial 'with beer mug'
The skeleton was "crouched" which was typical of the time
A 4,000-year-old Bronze Age skeleton has been unearthed by archaeologists working on a site in east Kent.
Canterbury Archaeological Trust said the curled-up skeleton was an example of a "Beaker" burial because of the pottery vessel placed at its feet.
Education officer Marion Green said the "beautifully decorated" pot could have been "a type of beer mug".
She said tests on beakers from other sites suggested Bronze Age man was brewing a type of beer from grain.
The body was in a "crouched" position typical of the period, with knees drawn up to the chest, she added.
Possibly ceremonial objects were found buried with the individual, who could have been a high-status male, she said.
The bones were found in a small grave at the centre of a double ring ditch, made out of two circles.
And Ms Green said soil would have been built up to form a burial mound, known to archaeologists as a "barrow".
The small grave was in a double ring ditch made of two circles
The bones, which are expected to end up on display, have been removed for tests to confirm the skeleton's age and gender, and any disease or injury.
"People might think finding skeletons is spooky, but it is really awe inspiring," Ms Green said.
"It's when you literally come face to face with the people from the past.
The 91-acre site near Monkton being excavated by 30 archaeologists will eventually house seven glasshouses for salad producer Thanet Earth.
Mr Green said Bronze Age burials were the oldest remains the archaeologists had found so far, but the history of the site was taking shape, and seemed to have had a "very long farming tradition".
Other burials have been found there, but this was the most elaborate, she added.
Archaeologists are excavating and recording finds on areas to be developed, but the remainder is to be left undisturbed.
perfect for St Pat’s day! LOL
Glad you ‘splained that in your tagline. Whn I saw that you posted, I figured heaven came with a broadband connection.
Ping
I'm glad that at least you think it's where I'll end up.
< |:)~
HooRay - Beer!
The goal in life is to die happy.
Must be one of them "hold ma beer" moments.
And now we know the origin of the “hold my beer and watch this” legend. But, how did he die? It says the body was in a “crouched” position. I bet it was painful.
Or is it "NORM !!!!!"
Are you sure that is not Norm from “Cheers”?
'Cause you know the rest of us have our concerns! ;-)
ALL Freepers go to heaven...
Ancient man died happy ping.
looter relic!
Re post 17... I remember finding Fish Hawk in the alley behind Morrows Drive In in the same position when we were young and innocent...
lol.. I vaguely remember a company party and winning a HUGH cash door prize and being in much the same position later. ahhhh to be young and innocent again. ;-)
Indeed. It's one of the things that enticed me to study anthropology/archeology in college. To realize that this person had a life so far detached from ours is truly awe-inspiring.
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