Archaeologists from the UCL Institute of Archaeology have made a significant discovery in Kent, unearthing some of Britain’s largest early prehistoric stone tools. The excavation took place in Frindsbury, where the Maritime Academy School is set to be constructed. The team discovered 800 stone artifacts believed to be over 300,000 years old.
The artifacts were found buried in deep Ice Age sediments on a hillside above the Medway Valley. The researchers, from UCL Archaeology South-East, uncovered ancient artifacts embedded in a sinkhole and ancient river channel. Their findings were published in the journal Internet Archaeology.
Among the artifacts found were two remarkably large flint knives referred to as “giant handaxes.” Handaxes are stone tools that have been chipped on both sides to create a symmetrical shape with a long cutting edge. These tools were likely used for butchering animals and cutting meat. The two largest handaxes discovered at the site have a unique shape, with a long and finely worked pointed tip and a thicker base.
Senior Archaeologist Letty Ingrey from the UCL Institute of Archaeology described these tools as “giants,” measuring over 22cm in length. The largest handaxe found measures a colossal 29.5cm and is one of the longest ever found in Britain. Ingrey mentioned that it is difficult to imagine how such large tools could have been used practically and speculated that they may have served a symbolic or less practical function, showcasing strength and skill.
The research team believes that the site dates back to a period when Neanderthals and other early human species were beginning to emerge in Britain. The Medway Valley would have been a wild landscape inhabited by various animals, including red deer, horses, and now-extinct species such as straight-tusked elephants and lions.
While similar ancient artifacts have been found before in the Medway Valley, this excavation provides a unique opportunity for large-scale study and gaining more insights into the lives of those who made these tools. Dr. Matt Pope from the UCL Institute of Archaeology emphasized that the scientific analysis of the site will help understand why it was important to ancient people and how the stone tools, including the giant handaxes, aided them in adapting to the challenges of the Ice Age.
In addition to the Stone Age artifacts, the team also discovered a Roman cemetery at the same site. The cemetery dates back to at least a quarter of a million years later than the Ice Age activity. The remains of 25 individuals were found, with some buried alongside personal items and goods. This discovery offers new insights into the burial customs and traditions of both the Romans in the nearby villa and the town of Rochester.
The Maritime Academy School and the Thinking Schools Academy Trust are thrilled to be part of this significant discovery. They consider it a unique opportunity to teach young people about these finds and create a lasting legacy for the region’s history.
The research team is currently working on identifying and studying the recovered artifacts to gain a deeper understanding of their creators and their uses. The findings provide valuable insights into early human history in Britain and shed light on the tools and practices of our ancient ancestors.