In 2018, construction workers in East Yorkshire, England, inadvertently unearthed a Celtic burial site. Ancient Celtic burials were regarded with great solemnity. A successful transition into the afterlife was of the utmost importance. These beliefs are especially evident in the recent discovery of an elaborate 2,200-year-old Celtic warrior grave which included an entire chariot with the rider, skeletal remains of the horses, and an extremely rare gilded shield.
Specifically, the remarkable tomb contained the intact skeleton of the leader, adorned with armor, weapons, and provisions alongside the chariot pulled by two horses. The skeletons of the horses were found standing in the burial pit, as if ready to charge out of the tomb, according to Ancient-Origin.
Archaeologists believe that the grave dates back to more than 2,000 years during the Iron Age. The corpse found inside the grave is believed to have been in his late 40s at the time of his death which was likely sometime between 320 BC and 174 BC. During this era, Britain was influenced by the Arras culture, noted for its distinctive burial practices.
Surrounding the central tomb, several other graves of younger warriors were found, enough to suggest a small fighting force.
Archaeologists believe the discovered leader’s skeleton likely belonged to a noble warrior highly esteemed in ancient Celtic society. He likely died of old age, and the burial goods suggest he was an experienced commander who had participated in many battles.
Notably, after a year-long restoration process of artifacts, including weapons, archaeologists recently identified these as some of the most significant finds of the millennium.
Among the most valuable artifacts was a shield placed near the leader’s skeleton. Found near the chariot, the shield was heavily damaged after centuries underground. It measures about 74 cm in length, with leather fittings and a wooden handle now decayed.
However, through restoration, its historical significance became apparent. Crafted by La Tène culture artisans, it was reserved for the noble class of ancient European kings.
The shield’s central area once bore intricate relief decorations, featuring balanced tri-spiral motifs. Originally gilded with a distinctive brass surface, it was edged with unique clamshell borders, a design not seen in Iron Age Europe.
Interestingly, this shield was not merely decorative but showed signs of battle, with sword cuts evident on its surface. It likely underwent repairs and upgrades before being buried alongside its owner.
With its unique features, the Celtic shield is considered one of England’s most important Celtic art pieces from the 3rd millennium BC. It is compared to the legendary Wandsworth shield, currently displayed at the British Museum.
The Iron Age warrior’s shield, now meticulously preserved and displayed at the York Archaeological Trust, serves as a tangible link to a distant past. It embodies the warrior’s spirit, the artistic talents of his people, and the enduring legacy of the Iron Age Celts. As visitors gaze upon this priceless artifact, they are transported back in time, their imaginations ignited by the silent tales it whispers from the depths of history.
