In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, a Bronze Age wheel has been unearthed at a site known as “Britain’s Pompeii” in eastern England. This ancient artifact, believed to be the largest and earliest of its kind, has sparked excitement within the archaeological community. Dating back approximately 3,000 years, the wheel’s remarkable state of preservation offers unprecedented insights into the technologies and daily life of the Late Bronze Age.
Unprecedented Findings at Must Farm
The discovery was made at the Must Farm site, situated 140 kilometers (87 miles) north of London. The wheel, measuring about one meter in diameter (approximately 3 feet), was found attached to its hub. Archaeologists have described this find as “unprecedented,” highlighting its potential to reshape our understanding of Bronze Age technology. Debbie Priddy, inspector of ancient monuments at Historic England, emphasized the wheel’s significance, stating, “The wheel is very well-preserved. Along with other finds, it expands our understanding of how the people of this settlement lived and exploited their environment.”
The Settlement’s Context and the Wheel’s Implications
The site, thought to date from around 1100 to 800 B.C., was a settlement consisting of several families living in large wooden roundhouses built on stilts above water. This wheel was found near the largest house in the settlement. The presence of wheels at this site suggests that the inhabitants were not only exploiting the river environment but also had connections to the dryland. This challenges previous assumptions about the technologies and lifestyle of the Late Bronze Age.
Additionally, the wheel discovery provides new context for a nearby find: an articulated animal spine initially thought to be from a cow but now believed to be from a horse. This indicates that the inhabitants may have used horses for transportation or other purposes on the land.
A Glimpse into Prehistoric Life
Senior archaeologist Kasia Gdaniec of the Cambridgeshire County Council noted, “This site continues to amaze and astonish us with insight into prehistoric life, the latest being the discovery of this wooden wheel.” The settlement, which appears to have been destroyed by a dramatic fire and collapsed into the river, has yielded extraordinarily well-preserved artifacts. These include charred roof timbers, timber with tool marks, remnants of a wooden fence, textiles made from plant fibers, and bowls and jars with traces of food. Remarkably, even the residents’ footprints have been preserved.
Historical Context and Future Discoveries
The Must Farm site is renowned for its prehistoric finds. Previous discoveries include a sword and rapier unearthed in 1969 and nine wooden boats found in 2011. A nearby excavation revealed a smaller, incomplete Bronze Age wheel estimated to date to 1300 B.C. These finds suggest that the settlement was prosperous, with a diverse diet that likely included meat, cereal, and fish, and utilized both boats and wheeled vehicles.
Conclusion
The ongoing excavation at the Must Farm quarry, which began in September, is expected to continue as new layers of history are uncovered. Once the excavation is complete, the artifacts will be showcased in local museums, providing the public with a deeper understanding of this ancient settlement. Debbie Priddy remains optimistic about future discoveries, remarking, “I am sure there’s much more to come.” The Bronze Age wheel’s discovery is a testament to the rich and complex history of early civilizations and promises to reveal even more about the technological and social advancements of the Late Bronze Age.
