|
|
|
 |
FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
|
|
It is in the breaking news sidebar! |
|
Posted on 10/06/2003 4:10:28 PM PDT by blam
New road reveals Stone Age site
Archaeologists believe they may have stumbled upon a major Stone Age site - on the route of a new bypass. The site dates back between 250,000 and 300,000 years and may even provide evidence of one of the earliest uses of fire.
Archaeologists discovered a range of items at the location in Harnham, near Salisbury in Wiltshire, including 44 "very rare" flint hand axes - the earliest form of tool used by man.
Yet the dig was only organised after the county council unveiled plans to build a relief road for the village.
One of the most exciting discoveries on the site has been evidence of charcoal - which could point to an early use of fire.
Roy Canham, county archaeologist, told BBC News Online: "It is always a bit tentative.
It could be the earliest evidence of such fires in Britain and probably in Europe
Helena Cave Penny
County archaeologist
"We are dealing with a very early period of time and it may have to remain speculative. But the evidence is what it is and it looks ok.
"This discovery has come out of the blue. There is no evidence of the site from air photography and no history of fieldwork."
Helena Cave Penny, an archaeologist at the county council, added: "The presence of charcoal at the site suggests the people there made fires.
"This would seem natural when it is known that the climate was cold and damp at the time.
"It could be the earliest evidence of such fires in Britain - and probably in Europe."
Evidence suggests the site was next to a tributary of the River Avon, and may have been a seasonal camp used by hunters.
Wiltshire County Council is now consulting with English Heritage to decide what steps should be taken to safeguard the finds
|
|
|
|
|
FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
|
|
It is in the breaking news sidebar! |
|
The British really know how to use the language.
Please FREEPMAIL me if you want on or off the
"Gods, Graves, Glyphs" PING list or GGG weekly digest
-- Archaeology/Anthropology/Ancient Cultures/Artifacts/Antiquities, etc.
Gods, Graves, Glyphs (alpha order)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.