What's happened
Two Bronze Age individuals, buried in a long-lost chamber on Bute, have been rediscovered after over a century. Analysis reveals their ages, diets, and burial context, shedding new light on Scotland's prehistoric history. The remains are now stored in a new archaeological facility in Edinburgh.
What's behind the headline?
Rediscovery of the chamber highlights the importance of re-examining historical finds with modern techniques. The identification of two individuals buried at different times suggests complex burial practices and social structures. The use of isotopic analysis to determine diet indicates a predominantly terrestrial diet with little marine influence, contrasting with other Neolithic sites. The discovery underscores the value of ethical curation and expanded storage capacity at Scotland's new archaeological centre, which now houses remains from around 2,500 individuals. This facility will facilitate further research, including migration and diet studies, and set standards for ethical treatment of human remains. The find also emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating past excavations with current technology, which can dramatically alter interpretations of ancient societies.
What the papers say
The Scotsman and The Independent both report on the rediscovery of the Bronze Age chamber and the analysis of the remains. The Scotsman emphasizes the new storage facility and the broader collection of Scottish human remains, highlighting the importance of ethical curation and research capacity. Alison Campsie notes the significance of the find in revealing details about burial practices and diet, as well as the historical context of the chamber's initial excavation. The Independent focuses on the scientific advancements that allowed for more precise dating and ancestry analysis, correcting earlier assumptions about the individual's origins. Dr William Marsh from The Independent states that recent DNA techniques show the woman’s ancestry aligns with local Roman-era populations, challenging previous theories of sub-Saharan or Mediterranean origins. Both articles underscore the evolving nature of archaeological science and the importance of technological progress in understanding Scotland’s ancient past.
How we got here
The burial chamber was first documented in the 1800s, with only a skull recovered and sent to London. It was forgotten until a farmer's plough in 2022 uncovered additional remains. Recent analysis by NMS has identified two individuals buried at different times, dating back around 4,000 years, with new dating and isotopic studies providing insights into their lives and diets.
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