A warrior's grave sits on a 2,000-year-old horse-drawn carriage

Iron Age warriors were placed in the wagon and buried with two horses pulling as they were about to rush out of the tomb.

Picture 1 of A warrior's grave sits on a 2,000-year-old horse-drawn carriage
Shield when first discovered (left) and when cleaned (right).(Photo: Sun).

A team of experts at Map Archaeological Practice excavated the tomb of Celtic warriors in Pocklington, east Yorkshire and discovered weapons, chariots and skeletons of two horses, Independent said on December 6. believe.

The 76cm-long shield placed next to the warrior's remains was described by Dr. Melanie Giles at the University of Manchester as "the most important millennium Celtic handicraft in the UK".

Paula Ware, director of Map Archeological Practice, also commented that the shield was a "unique" discovery of the Iron Age with unprecedented carved motifs. The decorative seashell fringe is different from every Iron Age item in Europe.

"People often think that metal shields with exquisitely carved outer surfaces are merely ritual, reflecting social status without being used in battle. However, the repair traces show that the shield is not old and likely used a lot, " she explained.

Picture 2 of A warrior's grave sits on a 2,000-year-old horse-drawn carriage
The carriage is in a forward position.(Photo: Sun).

Warriors in the tomb in Pocklington could die in 320-174 BC, scientists said. The person's remains were placed inside a carriage with a pair of horses pulling forward, as if about to fly out of a grave.

"The new finding provides important evidence to show how the Celtics in England love horse carriages. It is likely that families and those around them believe that the car will help warriors to the afterlife or will be friendly." use when he's there, " explains Dr. Giles.

In the past 100 years, archaeologists have found about 20 people buried in wagons, most of them in Yorkshire. However, a newly discovered chariot tomb is the only tomb in the UK that contains horse remains.

"No ancient tomb in the UK has such importance and integrity. It provides more information about the Iron Age," Ware said. The remains and tomb artifacts are expected to be donated to the local museum.

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