Dorset Treasure

This is a report of the hoard found in 2008, just in case you missed it at the time. A good case of how this hoard relates to the Treasure Act even though it was of bronze. This can be confusing for anyone finding metal artefacts. Another tick for Dorset as being one of the richest counties for archaeology in the UK.

"The site of one of the largest hoards of Bronze Age axes ever found in Britain has been investigated by Wessex Archaeology.
At a site on the Isle of Purbeck in south Dorset, metal detector users found hundreds of Bronze Age axes in late October and early November 2007.
The axes, though not made of gold or silver, seem certain to qualify as Treasure when the Dorset Coroner holds an inquest into their discovery. Revisions to the original Treasure law mean that prehistoric objects of bronze can be classed as treasure, opening the way to a reward for the metal detector users and the landowner.
The metal detector users could hardly believe their luck when the discovery of one complete bronze axe and a fragment of another led them to identify three hot spots close by. The hotspots proved to be hoards of axes. Having reported the finds to the government funded Portable Antiquities Scheme, the detectors returned the following weekend. And promptly found another hoard containing hundreds of axes. In total at least 300 axes were found.
Following a request from the British Museum, who will give expert opinion to the county Coroner as to whether finds should be defined as Treasure, and the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a team from Wessex Archaeology undertook a follow up excavation".

Past Voices no.1

In archaeology many professionals have a heavy workload and many sites to excavate and report on. It is amazing how many people have walked past sites I have been on and been surprised that we are not students, part-timers or volunteers. We work 5 days a week, 12 months a year, in all weathers. As a result it can turn into a bit of a grind. It is possible to lose sight of the real reason we do the job - we are passionate about how people lived in the past. The only way to find out is to look at the artefacts and interpret them. This can answer questions such as how they were made and how they were used. What would they say if they could speak?

I am going to put together my own thoughts on this by taking various artefacts and giving them a voice. As all interpretation is subjective these voices are expressed through me. But I hope that by reading them you may be able to see past the purely material and reach the person beyond who made these artefacts. These lines are not meant to be poetry. I am not a poet. But dry prose would not bring them to life. It's a mix. Hope you enjoy them.

Tessera

Here I am, a small piece of clay, a creation of the mind, the hand pressing, shaping, cutting, placing.
Surface of red with a grey body; one of many.
Ages of feet passed over me.
The family have crawled, tottered and walked on me.
Food and drink spilled on me.
Happy cries, fearful cries, hugs and fights - I support them.
I am one of many.
If I am missing it is to the detriment of all.
A scar on the face of a carefully crafted creation of the goddess.
Two thousand years have passed - but here I am.
   

Iron Age Weekend

Iron Age roundhouse that would have stood at Turnworth

The weekend after next I am following an Iron Age theme by going to the Turnworth settlement (24th) and Eggardon Hill (25th) once more, so that those that have been to the latter can join me at Turnworth. It is well worth the drive to Turnworth, as this site is a rare surviving space where you can still walk down tracks and see where the roundhouses once stood over 2,000 years ago. You drive to Winterborne Whitechurch and turn left for Turnworth. After going through the village the lay-by is on the left. I will be wearing my hi-vi, so you can't miss me! But do ring or email to confirm, as it is a bit further to go and I would be very glum if no one turned up by 10.30am. I will be there if I get at least 4 people.
T. 0776 869 51 62
E. tripp.chris60@gmail.com

Wearing woad is optional.

Weymouth weekend

Just a reminder that the Past Meets Present weekend is 21st October to 23rd October. We will be guiding around Weymouth, Abbotsbury, Dorchester, Maiden Castle, the South Dorset Ridgeway and St Catherine's Chapel, plus a talk by yours truly on the Saturday night. Although aimed at people who live outside Dorset we have a 'locals' whereby the fee is only £5 per walk and £12 for the Saturday evening talk (including refreshments). So if you are a 'local' sign up now!

Call me on 0776 869 51 62 or go to http://www.thelightandenergychannel.tv/

"If you would understand anything observe its beginning and its development" Aristotle

Gladiator School Found in Vienna

Here is a report:

"Archaeologists working at the "Archaeological Park Carnuntum" in lower Austria claim to have located and excavated a huge amphitheatre used to train gladiators. The Associated Press has reported that the ruins, which archaeologists are describing as "a sensational discovery", were located through the use of ground radar measurements. These measurements indicated that in size and structure the ruins rival both the Ludus Magnus, the largest gladiatorial arena in Rome, and the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. More detailed information has yet to be released, but since the Colosseum had a capacity large enough for 50,000 spectators it can be assumed that this amphitheatre is of a similar size. A statement made on Tuesday by the Carnuntum archaeological park gave no indication as to when the find was located and excavated, although presumably it was discovered some time ago if excavations have already taken place. The site will be presented to the media on Monday".

The i newspaper states that this is the "first gladiator school found outside Italy" and that the schools centre was "dominated by a circular area equipped with wooden benches for spectators". Sound like anywhere? Yes, we have Maumbury Rings, described as a ludus, or training arena for the army and probably near the elusive fort of Roman Durnovaria. I feel a letter coming on. 

September & October Walks

Archaeology Walks for Autumn

Ø 11^th September       The Nine Stones      stone circle

Ø 24^th         “                  Turnworth                Iron Age settlement

Ø 25^th         “                  Eggardon                  Iron Age hillfort

Ø 8^th   October            Clandon Barrow      Bronze Age

Ø 9^th           “                  Maiden Castle          Iron Age hillfort

Ø 16^th        “                   Hell Stones               Neolithic tomb

Here is the list for the next few weeks. I will be putting more details here of individual walks as they come along and if you are on my email list you will get one of those too. I'm very excited at the prospect of visiting these sites and look forward to seeing you at one or more.

Nine Stones

Part of the Nine Stones B/A circle

Sorry for the short notice but I have a walk to the stunning Nine Stones this coming Sunday. If you haven't been sent an email we meet up at Winterbourne Abbas at 10am at the Little Chef. My full itinerary will be coming shortly for the next few weeks and way into October! Please don't forget that Past Meets Present will be taking place from the 21st October in Weymouth. Book now to avoid disappointment.