The remains of a prehistoric village, often referred to as “Britain’s Pompeii,” are providing archaeologists with fresh insights into the daily lives of Bronze Age inhabitants, shedding light on their culinary practices and architectural achievements.
Discovered as part of the Must Farm project in the Fenlands of eastern England between 2015 and 2016, this settlement, dating back to approximately 850 B.C., features the remnants of “four expansive wooden circular dwellings and a square entranceway structure,” all elevated on stilts. Alongside these structures, excavations uncovered a plethora of artifacts and human remains.
Despite being ravaged by a devastating fire some 3,000 years ago, leading to the complete abandonment of the village, the site, akin to the preservation of Pompeii, was partially saved by its environmental conditions, as highlighted in a report from the University of Cambridge.
Over the years, extensive research on the Must Farm site has provided valuable insights into its distinctive architecture and the ancient community that once thrived there, as detailed in a publication released on March 5.
The innovative roundhouses perched on stilts not only offered a glimpse into circular architectural practices of that era but also provided clues about the domestic life of Bronze Age inhabitants, showcasing their prowess in adapting to the challenging marshland environment.
Describing the residents as skilled and confident builders, Mark Knight, an excavation director at the Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU), emphasized the efficiency of their architectural design in the face of a landscape undergoing submersion.
Among the array of artifacts unearthed were a collection of spears with shafts measuring nearly 10 feet, pottery vessels, textile fragments, an axe, a pottery bowl containing remnants of porridge mixed with animal fats, a wooden spatula, animal bones, and a necklace adorned with beads originating from Denmark and Iran.
Analyses revealed that the inhabitants likely used meat juices as toppings for their porridge, with chemical traces indicating a blend of honey and ruminant meats, such as deer, possibly creating a primitive honey-glazed venison dish.
Furthermore, the discovery of a smoothly polished human skull suggests it may have held sentimental value as a keepsake honoring a departed loved one, offering a poignant glimpse into the emotional lives of the ancient villagers.
The exact cause of the village’s fiery demise remains a mystery, with speculations ranging from a hostile attack by warriors to the possibility of the residents relocating to a new settlement due to their adept building skills, leaving behind their belongings.
With the potential for more submerged settlements like Must Farm awaiting discovery across the Fenlands, the archaeological manager for the CAU, Selina Davenport, anticipates further revelations that could expand our understanding of this ancient civilization.