A significant archaeological discovery has been made in southern Britain as archaeologists unearthed an ancient iron sword near a Celtic chariot burial site. The excavation, prompted by a discovery made by metal detectorist Mike Smith in February 2018, has yielded remarkable insights into Iron Age Britain.
The initial discovery by Smith, 46, on farmland in Pembrokeshire, west Wales, included a fragment of a horse harness, leading to further investigations. A subsequent trial excavation revealed the curvature of the chariot’s wheels, hinting at the remarkable finds yet to be uncovered.
Archaeologists have discovered two iron iron tyres and a sword from the first Celtic chariot burial site found in southern Britain. Metal detectorist Mike Smith, 46, made the discovery in February 2018 on farmland in Pembrokeshire, west Wales. Here, the chariot wheels
Following an initial investigation in June 2018 by archaeologists from National Museum Wales and Dyfed Archaeological Trust, a dig was carried out in March and April, funded by National Museum Wales and found the Iron Age sword (pictured)
He claims he is expected to pocket up to £1 million for his discovery.
‘Chariots, as war and ceremonial vehicles, were used to display the power and identity of their owners and tribal communities in late Iron Age Britain, as the fine decoration on these artefacts shows.
In the latest development, archaeologists have uncovered not only a tyre iron once belonging to an Iron Age landowner but also a well-preserved iron sword. These discoveries shed new light on the cultural and historical significance of the site.
Jay Cooper (left) and Tom Urack (right) from Pembrokeshire College examining the iron age sword archaeologists unearthed in Wales
Officials sealed the site off and for a trial excavation which revealed the tops of a pair of chariot wheels. Archaeologists have since found tyre irons and a sword among a haul of ancient artefacts once belonging to an Iron Age land owner
Smith, whose find has now led to the protection of the site by law, expressed his astonishment and gratitude at the discovery, stating, “I still can’t believe it. Obviously I’ve read other people’s finds…it’s still surreal, and life-changing.” Reports suggest that Smith stands to earn up to £1 million for his discovery, marking it as one of the most significant metal detecting finds to date.
Reconstruction drawing by Jeremy Richards of a horse drawn Celtic chariot and charioteer in Iron Age Britain. The Iron Age was an archaeological era, referring to a period of time approximating 1200 BC to 600 BC, it was not is not an archaeological horizon, but rather a locally diverse cultural phase. The exact location of the site has been kept secret for a major dig. The inquest in January heard the site is now legally protected and Mr Smith has to sell the 34 artefacts to a museum by law
Adam Gwilt, principal curator of prehistoric archaeology at National Museum Wales, hailed the discovery as unique, emphasizing its significance not just for Wales but for southern Britain as a whole. The chariot pieces, adorned with intricate decoration, offer a glimpse into the power and identity of their owners and tribal communities during the late Iron Age.
Elements of the chariot are still somewhat preserved and will now be housed in a museum
The find has been met with enthusiasm by officials at Cadw, the Welsh equivalent of English Heritage, who see it as an opportunity to delve deeper into the ancient past and uncover the stories of those who lived during this period of great change.
Plans are underway to display the chariot wheels and sword at St Fagans National Museum of History, providing an opportunity for the public to engage with this remarkable piece of history. As National Museum Wales seeks to acquire the finds for conservation purposes, hopes are high for further discoveries and insights into Iron Age Britain.
This discovery underscores the importance of continued archaeological research and the vital role that individuals like Mike Smith play in uncovering our shared heritage. As the excavation continues, there is anticipation and excitement about what other treasures may lie beneath the soil, waiting to be revealed.