The Thames River has yielded a haunting discovery: a trove of human bones dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. The origins of these ancient remains remain shrouded in mystery, prompting researchers to delve into the dark past concealed beneath the river’s surface.
Numerous skeletons unearthed from the depths of the Thames have been linked to long-ago eras, hinting at a significant event that transpired centuries ago. Speculation abounds, with theories ranging from sacrificial rites to ancient battles that may have unfolded along the riverbanks.
In his evocative verse penned in 1857, antiquarian H.S. Cuming vividly depicted a scene of carnage and turmoil, suggesting a history of bloodshed lurking beneath the tranquil waters: “Promiscuous heaps of slain laid there, their life gore tinged the water clear, spreading around the ruddy stain, which marked the spot of strife and pain.”
Cuming’s musings were sparked by the unearthing of Celtic crania during the construction of the Victoria Bridge, a gruesome find that hinted at a violent past. Subsequent excavations have revealed a proliferation of human remains, predominantly from the Bronze and Iron Ages, posing a riddle that has confounded Londoners for generations.
Nichola Arthur, a researcher at the Natural History Museum in London, and her team have endeavored to unravel the enigma surrounding these ancient bones. By analyzing radiocarbon dates from 30 skeletons, they aim to shed light on the circumstances that led these nameless souls to their watery resting place.
The prevalence of Bronze and Iron Age dates in the Thames assemblage underscores the need to examine these findings within the broader context of prehistoric water deposition practices in north-west Europe, as highlighted in a recent study published in the journal Antiquity.
Arthur’s research builds upon the pioneering work of archaeologists Richard Bradley and Ken Gordon, who revived interest in the Thames bodies in the late 1980s. Their observations of metal artifacts found alongside the bones align with later radiocarbon dating, confirming the ancient origins of these mysterious remains.
The convergence of skulls and weapons in close proximity has sparked debate among archaeologists, with some echoing Cuming’s hypothesis of a violent clash that reverberated through the ages. The Thames, a vital resource for sustenance and trade, may have been a battleground where ancient armies vied for supremacy, a theory explored by archaeologist Christopher Knüsel.
Knüsel’s investigations into the Thames corpses suggest a complex interplay of ritual practices and warfare, hinting at a turbulent past etched in bone and metal beneath the river’s serene facade. As researchers continue to probe the depths of the Thames, the enigmatic secrets of its dark waters slowly come to light, offering a glimpse into a bygone era fraught with intrigue and violence.
The presence of warfare and violence in ancient Europe indicates that fierce battles may have been fought for dominance over the River Thames, with casualties claimed by the river. The observation of skeletal injuries on the remains further persuades Knüsel that there was more than just the performance of mortuary rites at play. Arthur is now set to delve into the analysis of these injuries for a forthcoming study, potentially shedding light on why numerous bodies ended up submerged in the Thames. This investigation might even validate Cuming’s theories.
