First of all, may I wish that all of you excellent people out there had a great Xmas, and that you’ll have a wonderful New Year for 2011. Here’s to lots more Roman discoveries, and lots more chat on the website.
Just because it’s winter, and bitterly cold, doesn’t mean that archaeologists stop working. The tomb of a Celtic noblewoman has been discovered, unplundered, in Germany. Rather than open it in situ and risk damaging the contents, particularly clothing etc., the scientists involved took the interesting step of lifting up the entire burial chamber and transporting it to a special site in a museum. Interestingly, the jewellery already found means that they can accurately date the find to about 475 BC. Read all about this fascinating find here.
leslieianjones says
There is more to the Celts than first meets the eye. The link below is about their ‘connection’ with ancient China.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/a-meeting-of-civilisations-the-mystery-of-chinas-celtic-mummies-413638.html
benkane says
Incredible article! Thank you, Les. Absolutely fascinating stuff. Another branch of the Celts that history has ‘forgotten’!
leslieianjones says
Room for a book there…….What am I saying!!! LOL
Also there is a possible North American ‘celt’ as a few years ago there was documentary about a body found in one of the NWestern states (cannot recall which) The body had been found after riverbank erosion. It predated alot of native american indian stuff. When the Indians found out there was pressure from the highest power for all remains, evidence, dna etc to be handed over. I seem to recall the general description lent towards a celtic type. The reason why the authorities were so keen to suppress the find was it could undermine many US-Indian treaties. Afterall they were the indigenous peoples….but if they replaced others….well a lawyers dream?! That’s the trouble with these Celts….never knew when to stop wandering!
benkane says
@Les: I remember all the hullabaloo about that body. IIRC, the Indians didn’t want to release it either – probably for the reasons you said. I hadn’t heard that they had been forced to. Must look it up on Google…
Gabriele says
Lol, those Celts were worse than the Vikings. 🙂
benkane says
What about those pesky Germans? 😉
Gabriele says
Well, those pesky Germans didn’t get to China or America.
But we took over the Roman Empire. 😛
leslieianjones says
Didn’t those annoying Viking chappies sail up the Mississippi making contact with the Indians? Those boys just knew how to explore, sorry raid, sorry…oh whatever!
benkane says
@Les: I think that’s one of those great urban myths. AFAIK, there’s no proof to it at all. Of course they reached Newfoundland (there’s a Viking settlement there) but there’s no evidence that they went deep inland. Unless you’ve found out something new??
leslieianjones says
“New?” Not really. The Vikings were the type to keep pushing looking for land and loot. Still this might interest you:
http://hubpages.com/hub/VikingsinOklahoma
benkane says
Hmmm. I’d heard of that before, but didn’t know the name. It’s not overly convincing, is it? I asked Rob Low, author of the excellent Oathsworn Viking books, and he said ‘it’s disputed’. I wonder why no one has done an archaeological dig at the site? Surely that would tell us one way or another?
Gabriele says
In case anyone is interested, I have some pics of Roman helmets, and posts about forts along the German border (the Limes) on my blog (link at my username here).
Next week will a post or two about the Isis temple in Mainz.
benkane says
Ooooh, sounds very interesting. Thanks, Gabriele!