London, Dec 5 (ANI): The discovery of a number of artefacts in the Cambridgeshire Fens is being said to be the largest collection ever found in one place in Britain and also gives and astonishing insight into life in the area 3,000 years ago.
According to archaeologists at the Cambridge University, the discovery reveals that the inhabitants could not resist a bowl of nettle stew, and excitingly, only a fraction of the site has so far been excavated.
Wicker baskets, wooden sword handles and fragments of textiles survived because they were immersed in deep layers of peat and silt.
A bowl, with a wooden spoon wedged into what was analysed to what could have been their favourite dish, was also discovered.
Six boats, which had been hollowed out of oak tree trunks were in such good condition that the wood grain can be seen clearly, as can signs of repairs by their owners.
Bronze swords and spears, which were possibly thrown into the river in perfect condition as votive offerings, were also found.
David Gibson, head of Cambridge University's archaeological unit, said the discoveries were internationally important.
"One canoe would be great. Two, exceptional. Six almost feels greedy," the Daily Mail quoted him as saying.
The artefacts were found buried four metres under an ancient watercourse along the southern edge of the Flag Fen Basin, on a site to the east of Peterborough.
The excavation, which has been funded by bricks and cement supplier Hanson under the terms of planning regulations, is expected to continue for several years. (ANI)
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