For over 6,000 years, the River Thames has served as a depository for human remains, according to recent research.
The average Londoner might be taken aback to learn that over the past two centuries, hundreds of human bones have been unearthed from the River Thames. Recent research reveals that a significant portion of these remains can be traced back to prehistoric times.
In a study published last month in the journal Antiquity, researchers in the U.K. analyzed 61 human remains recovered from the River Thames, discovering that most date back to the Bronze Age and Iron Age. Although the reasons behind these watery burials remain elusive, the high frequency of such occurrences during this period led the team to suggest deliberate intent.
With the use of radiocarbon dating, the researchers identified the age of 30 previously undated skeletal remains, integrating their data with previous research to create a comprehensive timeline for the 61 human remains extracted from the Thames. Spanning almost 6,000 years, from 4000 BCE to 1800 CE, the majority of remains belonged to the Bronze Age and Iron Age, reinforcing the previously reported predominance of these ages.
The lack of dates during the 300 to 600 CE period could be explained by the decline in population near the London area, as the area transitioned from the Roman period to the establishment of the Saxon trading port, Lundenwic, in the early 7th century CE.
The team dismissed the erosion theory, positing that the lack of archaeological evidence of Bronze Age and Iron Age burials along the riverbank implies a different explanation. Instead, they propose that these watery burials might have been related to wider ritual practices across northwestern Europe during these periods, including votive deposition in significant places.
For those dreaming of finding ancient treasures along the Thames, remember: a permit is required, and there's a waitlist!
The practice of intentionally depositing human remains in the River Thames during the Bronze and Iron Ages is a complex phenomenon that requires further investigation, as it appears to be part of a broader European tradition. The reasons behind this tradition remain unclear, but it likely encompasses elements of ritual, cultural, and possibly violent practices.
The future of archaeological studies in this area could benefit greatly from advancements in technology, providing more precise dates and insights into the reasons behind these watery burials. The likelihood of such practices extending beyond the Thames and into other European rivers is a fascinating fact worthy of further exploration. In the realm of science, this discovery challenges our understanding of ancient societies and their cultural practices.
