Latest news with #IronAge
Irish Post
10 hours ago
- Science
- Irish Post
Archaeologists discover ‘remarkable' ancient ringfort overlooking Irish beauty spot
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have discovered an ancient ringfort which is believed to have been a settlement for rulers and nobles in Ireland's early medieval period. Rathgurreen Ringfort, in the Maree area of Co. Galway, has been described as an 'impressive high-status settlement that could date anywhere from the 5th to 12th century AD. The site, which overlooks Galway Bay, was the focus of an eight-week archaeological excavation, directed by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway. 'What we can say with some certainty is that Maree is an ancient territory,' Dr Comber, who is a lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Galway, said. 'There are up to 40 ringforts in the area, most of which are only a third the size of Rathgurreen, not to mention a number of earlier prehistoric sites,' she added. The ringfort was first investigated and proposed as a high-status settlement – meaning it was home to a local ruler such as a king or lord - by Professor Michael Duignan, then Chair of Archaeology at the University, in the late 1940s. Dr Michelle Comber holding a turquoise and red glass bead found at the Rathgurreen Ringfort and believed to date from Early Medieval Ireland. (Pic: Aengus McMahon) Excavations now suggest that parts of the site are potentially 1,000 years older than previously thought, with evidence of contact with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia, possibly including the trade of valuable purple dye made at Rathgurreen. 'The name Mearaí (Maree) appears in several early legends, often associated with warriors or other figures bearing that name,' Dr Comber said. 'Our research confirms that Rathgurreen was the home of a noble family - hence the description as high-status. 'But the story is much deeper and richer. 'We have evidence of continuity and change at this site – a settlement that possibly dates back to the Iron Age, that was later developed into a very fine ringfort. 'A new home with links to ancestors would certainly have been very attractive to early medieval nobility.' A team of professionals, students and volunteers took part in the archaeological dig this summer on a section of the 100m-diameter ringfort. They found a number of glass beads, some coloured blue and another turquoise and red. These have parallels in other parts of Ireland and Scotland in the Iron Age - the era that immediately precedes the early medieval period. The dig has also confirmed the presence of early medieval pottery from northern France and amber beads likely connected with Scandinavian trade routes used by the Vikings. Evidence suggesting the manufacture of purple dye at Rathgurreen comprises the remnants of dog-whelk shellfish that were processed at the settlement to produce the rare, and therefore, valuable colouring. 'We are working in an ancient high-status settlement located roughly mid-way along the Atlantic seaboard,' Dr Comber added. 'In no sense, though, would it have been viewed as 'wild' or isolated - on the contrary it was part of a wider community and had links with other parts of Ireland, Scotland and mainland Europe. 'The adjacent coast provided relatively easy access to the outside world - seaways were the motorways of their day. 'The big takeaway from this site is that a place like Galway had a wider significance in the past, and that significance translates into the present,' she added. 'This one site has many tales to tell, and roles to play. 'People come to the west of Ireland and they think it's isolated and remote, but Maree's ancient remains tell us that western Ireland was not cut off from the wider world, geographically or culturally.' The excavation marks the launch of a new research project exploring land use through time on the Maree peninsula in Galway with the University team hoping to continue digs at the site in 2026 and to pursue other locations in the area in future years. See More: Archaeologists, Galway, Maree, Rathgurreen Ringfort
BBC News
16 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Iron Age hoard moves permanently to Yorkshire Museum
A collection of more than 800 Iron Age artefacts found in a North Yorkshire field has now found a permanent home. The Melsonby Hoard is believed to be one of the UK's largest finds from the period, and was discovered by metal detectorist Peter Heads and excavated with the help of Durham Yorkshire Museum has now secured the acquisition of the hoard, through public fundraising and a £192,096 grant from the National Heritage Memorial Andrew Woods, head of research and collections at York Museums Trust, said the discovery went beyond "a once in a generation find". "The museum has been collecting for 200 years and we have nothing like this, nothing like this has quite been found in the UK before," he said."So to be able to put that into the collection, to share that with people, to tell new stories is one of the best days of my career."The initial discovery was reported to the authorities in December 2021 and site excavation started the following year, with the support of the British Museum and a grant from Historic the findings, archaeologists from Durham University unearthed the partial remains of more than seven wagons and chariots, along with horse harnesses and ceremonial spears. Earlier this year, after preservation and study at Durham University, the Yorkshire Museum launched a fundraising campaign to secure the hoard for its Woods added he was "blown away" by the public response to the online fundraiser, which raised £54,000 in donations from the public, bolstered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund and £20,000 in other Blacker, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said the museum was delighted at the opportunity to secure the future of "a significant piece of Yorkshire's history"."Thanks to the incredible support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, as well as generous donations from members of the public, the hoard will remain here in Yorkshire, to be made available for everyone to see and to enjoy," she said."We remain committed to researching and conserving these unprecedented finds to improve our understanding of our shared past and securing them for future generations." Dr Woods explained that the acquisition was only "the beginning of the story" for the artefacts."Keeping the hoard close to where it was found, in the region, alongside other objects in the collection also from the Iron Age means we can tell the story of the North," he added that after further preservation and research projects, the hoard would be publicly displayed in the museum. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
NDTV
17 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Actor Vijay Slams BJP For "Drama" On Cholas, Party Responds
Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Vijay has launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the ruling DMK, calling their recent posturing over Tamil pride and the Chola legacy a "coordinated drama" aimed at political gain ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ariyalur to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia, Vijay accused the BJP of "lecturing Tamil Nadu on its own history" while simultaneously "discriminating" against the state. "Had the DMK government given the Chola emperors the full honour they deserve, the anti-Tamil Union government wouldn't have stepped in to take credit. Instead, the DMK has welcomed PM Modi's visit as a matter of honour - this is not pride, it is surrender," said Vijay in a strongly-worded statement. The actor-politician alleged that the DMK had "mortgaged Tamil pride" to the BJP, describing it as "taking refuge under the very force it claims to oppose." He also pointed to the centre refusing to accept Keezhadi excavation findings, which the state believes establishes the antiquity of Tamil and Iron Age in this region much earlier than present estimates. "After attempting to hide strong evidence of Tamil civilisation and history at Keezhadi, the Centre's sudden talk of Chola pride is pure drama. And the DMK, founded by Annadurai, has compromised itself and surrendered to the anti-Tamil BJP," he charged. Vijay also reminded that it was his party that had last year demanded the setting up of a grand museum in Chennai celebrating the Chera, Chola and Pandya dynasties. He warned that the people of Tamil Nadu would "see through the political theatrics" and deliver a "fitting response in 2026." BJP's Karu Nagarajan responded sharply, accusing Vijay of peddling falsehoods and misrepresenting facts for political mileage. "Has any other Prime Minister embraced and showcased Tamil culture to the world like Narendra Modi? PM Modi has acted as an ambassador of Tamil pride," he said. He also dismissed Vijay's charges on Keezhadi, saying the central government had been fully supportive of archaeological excavations and discoveries in Tamil Nadu from the beginning. "It is unclear what Vijay is trying to achieve by linking the BJP and DMK. People are not fools," the BJP leader said. Though officially positioned as a cultural and historical event, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ariyalur is being widely seen as part of the BJP's broader outreach to Tamil Nadu - a state where the party currently has little presence. With the 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon, both the BJP and emerging parties like Vijay's TVK are recalibrating their strategies. While Dravidian parties tread carefully, celebrating the Chola dynasty in a limited way, mindful of what they call "the severe caste discrimination and dominance of Aryan traditions" during the reign, the BJP is trying to capitalise on this.
Rhyl Journal
17 hours ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Funding secures Iron Age Melsonby Hoard for the nation
The Yorkshire Museum has received £192,096 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, along with public donations, to acquire the Melsonby Hoard, which dates back 2,000 years. Discovered in a farmer's field near the North Yorkshire village in 2021, the site gave up more than 800 Iron Age artefacts including chariot wheels, cauldrons and horse bridles. The variety of objects led archaeologists to make important breakthroughs in their understanding of Iron Age society, including how power and wealth were not exclusively held in the South. Detectorist Peter Heads made the find and reported it to the proper authorities, and a team of Durham University archaeologists, with advice from the British Museum, took great care to excavate the hoard from two ditches. Thanks to the National Memorial Fund, a public crowdfunder and other donations, the find has been secured by the Yorkshire Museum, based in York. This will allow more research, conservation and analytical work to be carried out. Kathryn Blacker, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said: 'Thanks to the incredible support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, as well as generous donations from members of the public, the hoard will remain here in Yorkshire, to be made available for everyone to see and to enjoy. 'We remain committed to researching and conserving these unprecedented finds to improve our understanding of our shared past and securing them for future generations.' Simon Thurley, chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: 'The Melsonby Hoard throws bright new light on Iron Age life in Yorkshire and beyond. 'We are pleased to support this acquisition which will keep the hoard intact, in the county in which it was buried and enable research to take place to gain a deeper insight into its origin and history. 'The memorial fund exists to save the UK's most outstanding heritage and make it publicly accessible, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK. 'We are delighted to count the Melsonby Hoard as part of the growing and timeless collection of UK heritage that belongs to all of us forever.'
South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Funding secures Iron Age Melsonby Hoard for the nation
The Yorkshire Museum has received £192,096 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, along with public donations, to acquire the Melsonby Hoard, which dates back 2,000 years. Discovered in a farmer's field near the North Yorkshire village in 2021, the site gave up more than 800 Iron Age artefacts including chariot wheels, cauldrons and horse bridles. The variety of objects led archaeologists to make important breakthroughs in their understanding of Iron Age society, including how power and wealth were not exclusively held in the South. Detectorist Peter Heads made the find and reported it to the proper authorities, and a team of Durham University archaeologists, with advice from the British Museum, took great care to excavate the hoard from two ditches. Thanks to the National Memorial Fund, a public crowdfunder and other donations, the find has been secured by the Yorkshire Museum, based in York. This will allow more research, conservation and analytical work to be carried out. Kathryn Blacker, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said: 'Thanks to the incredible support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, as well as generous donations from members of the public, the hoard will remain here in Yorkshire, to be made available for everyone to see and to enjoy. 'We remain committed to researching and conserving these unprecedented finds to improve our understanding of our shared past and securing them for future generations.' Simon Thurley, chairman of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: 'The Melsonby Hoard throws bright new light on Iron Age life in Yorkshire and beyond. 'We are pleased to support this acquisition which will keep the hoard intact, in the county in which it was buried and enable research to take place to gain a deeper insight into its origin and history. 'The memorial fund exists to save the UK's most outstanding heritage and make it publicly accessible, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK. 'We are delighted to count the Melsonby Hoard as part of the growing and timeless collection of UK heritage that belongs to all of us forever.'
