Mysterious 8,000-year-old pits with animal bones discovered in London countryside
Archaeologists have discovered over two dozen large prehistoric pits near London dating back to about 8,500 to 7,700 years ago.
The 25 pits from the Mesolithic Period were unearthed in Linmere, Bedfordshire.
Radiocarbon dating recently revealed that the pits date back to the late Mesolithic period, making the discovery one of the few sites of such magnitude from that period in the UK.
According to archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (Mola), who are conducting the research, the Mesolithic era has limited evidence, consisting mainly of flint tools and occasional animal remains, making it difficult to understand life during that time.
‘It’s been amazing for the whole team to work on such a significant Mesolithic site. It really shows how important radiocarbon dating is alongside fieldwork, as without it, we wouldn’t have realised the significance of our discovery,’ said Yvonne Wolframm-Murray, the project officer.
During the Mesolithic Period, when ice sheets were retreating and rising sea levels, Britain became isolated from mainland Europe.
The pits at Linmere provide valuable insights into the lives of ancient communities during this important period.
Although similar pits have been discovered in sites across Britain and France, they are typically found in limited numbers.
Even the vicinity of Stonehenge, which contains thousands of prehistoric pits, only houses five from the Mesolithic period. The pits at Linmere bear striking similarities to those near Stonehenge, both in terms of their dating and the number of finds.
The pits were round with steep sides and some wide at the bottom. They were quite large, measuring up to 5 meters wide and 1.85 meters deep.
Interestingly, the pits appeared to be arranged in multiple straight lines, extending up to 500 meters. While other aligned Mesolithic pits have been found in Britain, the Linmere pits are unique as they are clustered around former stream channels.
Excavations have revealed animal bones inside the pits, including bones from wild species such as aurochs, marten, deer, and boar. By examining these bones, scientists have determined that they are approximately 8,000 years old.
Researchers have put forward various theories about the purpose of these pits. Some think they may have been used for hunting or storing food. However, due to their shape and size, these theories seem unlikely.
Another possibility is that the pits had some kind of ritual or symbolic significance. It’s even being investigated if they align with important celestial events like the solstice.
Further analysis of animal bones and environmental samples is being conducted in the lab. By studying these samples, researchers hope to learn more about the ancient landscape and the plants that grew in the area.
This information will help them understand why the pits were created and what they were used for.
The discovery of these pits in Linmere is a significant step towards unraveling the mysteries of the Mesolithic Period in Britain. It provides us with a unique glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors and how they interacted with the environment.
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