In 2018, construction workers carrying out construction in Eastern YorkShire (\England) accidentally dug up an ancient grave site belonging to the Celtics culture. Exploring the entire tomb site, archaeologists discovered many warrior remains, including the tomb of a powerful commander buried with a two-horse-drawn war chariot.
Specifically, the special tomb is where the general’s remains are buried with intact armor, weapons, food, and a two-horse-drawn war chariot. The remains of two horses were found right at the burial pit. Both were placed in a standing position, as if ready to rush out of the tomb, according to Ancient-Origin.
Celtics tombs date to the period between 320 and 174 BC when Celtic tribes dominated the British Isles. In that era, England was dominated by the Arras culture, noted for its many unusual burials.
Archaeologists believe that the newly discovered remains of a general may be a warrior from a highly respected aristocratic class in ancient Celtic society. He most likely passed away due to old age, and the accompanying belongings prove that this is an experienced commander who has experienced many wars.
Around the central tomb appear many other tombs belonging to younger warriors. All the remains found were in enough numbers to create a small army of good soldiers.
Notably, after the process of restoring antiques such as weapons, which lasted nearly a year, British archaeologists recently determined that these are the most important antiques found in the millennium. current century.
The most valuable artifact is the shield placed next to the commander’s remains. It was found near the chariot in a damaged state after centuries of being buried in the ground. The shield is approximately 74 cm long with leather fittings and a rotted wooden handle.
The shield when newly discovered (left) and when cleaned (right)
However, after the restoration process, the shield showed its past value. The shield was crafted by artisans of the La La Tene culture and was only intended for the aristocracy of ancient European kings.
On the central axis in front of the shield is a bulge with both sides balancedly decorated with embossed 3-legged motifs. When not buried, the shield has the brilliant yellow color of bronze and is surrounded by unique scalloped edges. This type of design has never been found in Iron Age Europe.
Interestingly, this shield is not just a decoration. It seems to have been used in battle, as evidenced by a sword strike on the shield’s face. The shield probably went through many repairs and upgrades until it was buried next to its owner.
With such unique features, the Celtics shield is considered by archaeologists to be the most important piece of British Celtic art in the 3rd millennium (From 2003 to 3003). It has been compared to the legendary Wandsworth shield currently on display at the British Museum.
