Ancient Chariot Components Unearthed Beneath Welsh Aerodrome After Two Millennia
In the heart of Wales, an extraordinary finding has surfaced at RAF Valley station, unveiling a treasure trove of Iron Age artifacts that would blow even the most seasoned archaeologists' socks off. But these relics weren't discovered by experts digging in the dirt—they were unearthed by military personnel and veterans who just happened to be working on an archaeological dig at the site, organized by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Operation Nightingale.
The exciting discovery, officially recognized as treasure, contains over 2,000-year-old Celtic artifacts, including horse gear and rarities from a Celtic chariot. The ancient relics were declared in a UK government statement released late last month, and remind us all of the remarkable history that exists beneath our feet. Station Commander at RAF Valley Gez Currie said in the statement, "The importance of RAF Valley to UK Defence today is beyond question, but this is a reminder that we are part of a continuum spanning over 2,000 years and we must be responsible stewards of this land."
RAF Flight Sergeant Graham Moore recounted the thrill of making the final, groundbreaking discovery: "The search for the lost hoard was hard work and we had a huge area to cover. It wasn’t until the final day – with just 10 minutes to go – that I discovered the horse bridle-bit. At first, the team thought I was joking, but they quickly realized I’d found something special. Words could not explain how I felt in that moment, but it was a wonderful experience."
Experts have confirmed that the bridle-bit and terret ring, both from the Iron Age, are believed to belong to the famous Llyn Cerrig Bach hoard. The legendary hoard emerged during wartime construction work on the airfield in the 1940s, and these fresh discoveries have strengthened the notion that more treasures still wait beneath the ground. Thousands of years ago, the Celtic people are believed to have deposited these prized objects into Llyn Cerrig-bach lake as offerings to their deities.
Adam Gwilt, a senior curator at the Amgueddfa Cymru museum in Wales, expressed delight at the recent findings. "The bridle-bit and terret are both of styles which are not represented amongst the original collection. They add important new information on the religious gifting of prized objects into the lake at the end of the Iron Age, a little before, or at around the time when the Roman Army invaded Anglesey."
This astounding historical discovery marks an inspiring moment in the lives of the military personnel and veterans who helped uncover this intriguing piece of our past. The Operation Nightingale program aims to support service members and vets by offering opportunities in archaeological investigations, contributing to their rehabilitation and wellbeing with fascinating and meaningful experiences.
This incredible find not only sheds light on the Iron Age culture but also underscores the transformative influence that archaeological excavations can have on the recovery and general well-being of individuals who have served their country.
The discovery of the Celtic artifacts at RAF Valley station raises exciting possibilities about the future of archaeological research in the area. With advanced technology and what science has to offer, we might uncover even more hidden treasures from Wales' rich past.
As the military personnel and veterans continue to participate in archaeological digs through Operation Nightingale, the potential for further historical discoveries and personal growth is boundless, shaped by the intersection of technology, future endeavors, and the ongoing exploration of our science-driven world.
