UK's oldest cemetery identified: 10,000 years old

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In summary, the discovery of UK's oldest cemetery is significant as it gives insight into the burial practices and cultural beliefs of early humans in the region. The age of the cemetery was determined to be 10,000 years old through radiocarbon dating of human remains. Evidence such as the consistent arrangement of human remains and lack of other human activity suggests that it was a dedicated burial site. This discovery provides valuable information about the people who lived in the area 10,000 years ago, their way of life, and cultural practices. It also adds to our understanding of human history in the UK by challenging previous assumptions and providing evidence of early human presence and burial practices.
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Ivan Seeking
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A narrow cave in a gorge in Somerset has been identified as the oldest cemetery in Britain, used by generations of people from one area in the Mendips just after the last ice age, 10,000 years ago

http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/news/story/0,11711,1048387,00.html

NOTE: I couldn't think of a better place to post.
 
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tormented by bad teeth, and they were meat eaters
that is interesting.
 
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This discovery of the UK's oldest cemetery is truly remarkable and sheds light on the burial practices of our ancestors from over 10,000 years ago. The fact that this cemetery was used by generations of people from the same area is particularly fascinating, as it suggests a strong sense of community and tradition among these early humans.

It is also interesting to note that this cemetery was found in a narrow cave in a gorge, highlighting the importance of location and environment in the burial practices of our ancestors. This discovery adds to our understanding of how early humans interacted with their surroundings and the significance they placed on certain locations.

Furthermore, the fact that this cemetery dates back to just after the last ice age adds another layer of significance to this discovery. It shows that even in a time of great environmental change and adaptation, our ancestors still had the ability to honor their deceased and preserve their memory through burial rituals.

Overall, this discovery is a testament to the rich history and cultural practices of the UK and serves as a reminder of the deep connection we have with our past. It also highlights the importance of ongoing archaeological research and the valuable insights it can provide into our origins and evolution as a species.
 

1. What is the significance of the discovery of UK's oldest cemetery?

The discovery of UK's oldest cemetery is significant because it provides insight into the burial practices and beliefs of early humans in the region. It also sheds light on their way of life and cultural practices.

2. How was the age of the cemetery determined to be 10,000 years old?

The age of the cemetery was determined through radiocarbon dating of the human remains found at the site. This method uses the decay of radioactive carbon isotopes in organic materials to determine their age.

3. What evidence was found at the site to suggest it was a cemetery?

Archaeologists found a large number of human remains, including skulls and other bones, arranged in a consistent pattern at the site. This, along with the absence of any other human activity, indicated that it was a dedicated burial site.

4. What can we learn from the cemetery about the people who lived in the area 10,000 years ago?

The cemetery provides valuable information about the burial practices and beliefs of the people who lived in the area 10,000 years ago. It also gives insight into their way of life, social structures, and cultural practices.

5. How does this discovery contribute to our understanding of human history in the UK?

The discovery of UK's oldest cemetery adds to our understanding of human history in the UK by providing evidence of early human presence and burial practices. It also challenges previous assumptions about the development of human societies in the region.

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