Human Remains Discovered at the Bottom of a 2000-Year-Old Well in Scotland
In Scotland, archaeologists have found a human skeleton deliberately placed at the bottom of an ancient well. Researchers believe the burial may have been part of an Iron Age ritual, writes The Independent.
The well itself is approximately 3 meters long and about a meter deep. Its walls and bottom were lined with stone slabs, with clay mortar used between them. The structure featured a stone floor, large boulders, and special steps for entry.
According to archaeologists, the structure was probably initially used for water storage. This is evidenced, in particular, by the clay mortar on the lower levels, which could have provided waterproofing.
Later, the well was abandoned and may have acquired a different, ritual purpose. This is also indicated by the fact that its entrance was blocked, and a large number of animal bones were found inside along with the human remains.
The human skeleton was covered with material containing a high amount of charcoal. Researchers believe this may also be related to the moment when the structure ceased to be used as a water source.
Near the well, archaeologists found a fragment of a slate bracelet and a broken steatite bowl. These findings date back to the Iron Age and help to date the structure.
Human burials in such structures in northern Scotland are very rare. Therefore, researchers suggest that the person might have been placed in the well not by accident, but as part of a specific ancient ritual, after it had ceased to be used for water storage.
It is not yet known who the buried person was – their sex and age should be determined by further research. Archaeologists also plan to further study the human bones, artifacts, soil, and animal and plant remains.
There is another interesting detail: according to preliminary research, the ancient structure might have been located among circular constructions associated with residential houses. This could provide additional information about the people who lived here about 2000 years ago and their ritual traditions.