Archaeologists filming ‘Sandi Toksvig’s Hidden Wonders’ in Dorset have uncovered a 2,000-year-old murder mystery, revealing insights into the violent practices of the Iron Age Durotriges tribe. The team, led by Bournemouth University, discovered a teenage girl’s skeleton buried face-down in a pit, which has raised questions about the circumstances of her death and the ritualistic practices of the time.
The excavation was part of a new series featuring Channel 4 host Sandi Toksvig, who studied archaeology at the University of Cambridge. The site, a 2,00 0-year-old Iron Age settlement, belonged to the Durotriges, a tribe that inhabited rural Dorset before the Roman conquest. The team unearthed various artifacts, including bronze brooches, a bone comb, and a bangle, which provided insights into daily life in ancient Britain.
However, the discovery of the teenage girl’s skeleton, with no grave goods and signs of struggle, suggests a possible human sacrifice. The girl’s body was found in a tangled position, indicating the possibility of violence or ritual execution. The lack of offerings, compared to other burials at the site, has raised questions about the girl’s status within the community.
Excavation leader Miles Russell expressed shock at the discovery, noting that the burial method indicated marked disrespect. The girl’s physical condition, particularly her muscle attachments and intervertebral discs, suggests she engaged in manual labor and heavy lifting, potentially as an enslaved individual or a prisoner of war. The presence of an unhealed wrist fracture further supports the theory that she was defending herself at the time of her death.
Russell added that the findings align with the Roman view of Iron Age societies practicing human sacrifice. The team is now focusing on identifying the victims’ status and reasons for their selection, aiming to give these ancient individuals a voice and better understand the social dynamics and cultural practices of the Durotriges tribe.