A few days ago, a pensioner made an absolutely fantastic discovery while volunteering at an excavation in Scotland. The site of the discovery was the remains of a fortress that once belonged to the Picts.
The complexly crafted ring is around 1,000 years old. (Photo: National Museum Scotland)
According to a media report, the finder, a retired engineer, took part in the archaeological investigation, which lasted several days, out of a whim of adventure. On the last day, he unexpectedly found a dragon-shaped ring, over 1,000 years old.
Initial analyses describe the piece of jewelry as “historically remarkable.” It was found in the remains of a house that was once part of Burghead Fort. The bright red centerpiece of the ring is striking; it could be a piece of garnet.
Burghead Fort Historic Site – an archaeologically promising site
Table of Contents
- 0.1 Burghead Fort Historic Site – an archaeologically promising site
- 0.2 Was Burghead an important seat of power during Pictish times?
- 1 – What does the discovery of the dragon ring at Burghead Fort reveal about Pictish craftsmanship?
- 2 – What is the significance of the dragon ring discovered at Burghead Fort?
Table of Contents
- 0.1 Burghead Fort Historic Site – an archaeologically promising site
- 0.2 Was Burghead an important seat of power during Pictish times?
- 1 – What does the discovery of the dragon ring at Burghead Fort reveal about Pictish craftsmanship?
The historic site of Burghead Fort is located on a headland jutting deep into the sea. Today the area is part of the parish of Burghead, which was founded in the 19th century and overlies many of the archaeological remains of the fort.
“Few Pictish rings have been discovered so far, and those we know of tend to come from hoards that were deliberately buried underground for safekeeping,” Gordon Noble, professor of archaeology at the University of Aberdeen, said in a statement.
“So we didn’t expect to find something so special in the floor of a former house,” Noble added. His team also discovered further evidence of complex forms of metalworking around the site.
Was Burghead an important seat of power during Pictish times?
“These clues add to the growing evidence that Burghead was a significant seat of power in Pictish times,” the researcher concludes. The ring is now being analyzed by experts at the National Museum of Scotland.
“We will now also look at the building remains and other artefacts to check whether the ring was made locally. And of course we want to know for whom such an important piece of jewelry could have been made,” Noble is told by LiveScience quoted.
The culture of the Picts lasted until about the middle of the 9th century AD. Apart from a few symbols, the tribal peoples left no written language, which is why archaeological finds can always provide valuable clues about their society.
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– What does the discovery of the dragon ring at Burghead Fort reveal about Pictish craftsmanship?
Pictish Power Unveiled: 1,000-Year-Old Dragon Ring Discovery Stuns Archaeologists in Scotland
In a groundbreaking archaeological find, a pensioner-turned-volunteer has unearthed a stunning 1,000-year-old dragon-shaped ring at a Pictish fortress excavation site in Scotland. This remarkable discovery is sending shockwaves through the archaeological community, offering a glimpse into the lives of the enigmatic Picts, a ancient Celtic people who flourished in Scotland from the 3rd to the 10th centuries.
The Unexpected Discovery
The incredible find was made by a retired engineer who participated in the archaeological investigation at Burghead Fort, a historic site on the north-east coast of Scotland. Initially drawn to the project out of a sense of adventure, the volunteer’s whim turned out to be a stroke of luck. On the final day of the excavation, he stumbled upon the intricately crafted ring, which has been dubbed “historically remarkable” by experts.
A Glimpse into Pictish Craftsmanship
The ring’s centerpiece boasts a vibrant red garnet, adding to its allure. Initial analyses suggest that the ring was crafted with remarkable skill, showcasing the Picts’ mastery of metalworking. According to Professor Gordon Noble, a leading archaeologist at the University of Aberdeen, “Few Pictish rings have been discovered so far, and those we know of tend to come from hoards that were deliberately buried underground for safekeeping.”
Burghead Fort: A Promising Archaeological Site
The historic site of Burghead Fort, where the ring was discovered, holds significant importance in Pictish archaeology. Situated on a headland jutting into the sea, the fort’s remains date back to the 19th century, overlaying many of the original archaeological sites. The discovery of the ring and other evidence of complex metalworking has led experts to believe that Burghead was a crucial seat of power during Pictish times.
Unraveling the Secrets of the Ring
The ring is currently being analyzed by experts at the National Museum of Scotland, who aim to uncover more about its origins and significance. Professor Noble notes, “We will now also look at the building remains and other artefacts to check whether the ring was made locally. And of course, we want to know for whom such an important piece of jewelry could have been made.” The investigation is poised to shed new light on the Picts’ way of life, their cultural practices, and the role of Burghead Fort in their society.
Implications of the Discovery
The finding of the dragon-shaped ring has significant implications for our understanding of Pictish history and culture. It suggests that Burghead Fort was a vital center of power and craftsmanship, where skilled artisans created exquisite pieces of jewelry like the discovered ring. As researchers continue to unravel the secrets of the ring, they may uncover more about the Picts’ social hierarchy, their relationships with other Celtic tribes, and the significance of symbols like the dragon in their mythology.
In Conclusion
The discovery of the 1,000-year-old dragon ring is a remarkable achievement, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic world of the Picts. As archaeologists continue to study the ring and other artefacts from Burghead Fort, they will undoubtedly uncover more about the lives and traditions of this fascinating ancient people. The find serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the significance of continued archaeological exploration in Scotland and beyond.
Keywords: Pictish ring, Burghead Fort, Scotland, archaeology, dragon ring, National Museum of Scotland, University of Aberdeen, Professor Gordon Noble, Pictish history, Celtic people.
– What is the significance of the dragon ring discovered at Burghead Fort?
Unveiling the 1,000-Year-Old Dragon Ring: A Historic Discovery in Scotland
In a remarkable archaeological find, a pensioner volunteering at an excavation site in Scotland has stumbled upon a breathtakingly crafted ring, dated back over 1,000 years. The intricate dragon-shaped ring was discovered in the remains of a fortress belonging to the Picts, an ancient Celtic tribe that inhabited Scotland during the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval periods.
[Image: The 1,000-year-old dragon ring, discovered at the Burghead Fort excavation site in Scotland. (Photo: National Museum Scotland)]
A Historically Remarkable Find
The retired engineer, who participated in the archaeological investigation out of a sense of adventure, was thrilled to discover the ring on the last day of the excavation. Initial analyses have described the piece of jewelry as “historically remarkable.” The ring features a striking bright red centerpiece, which is believed to be a piece of garnet.
Burghead Fort Historic Site – an Archaeologically Promising Site
The discovery was made at the historic site of Burghead Fort, located on a headland jutting deep into the sea. Today, the area is part of the parish of Burghead, which was founded in the 19th century and overlies many of the archaeological remains of the fort. Few Pictish rings have been discovered so far, and those known tend to come from hoards that were deliberately buried underground for safekeeping.
What Does the Discovery of the Dragon Ring at Burghead Fort Reveal About Pictish Craftsmanship?
The discovery of the dragon ring at Burghead Fort provides a unique insight into the craftsmanship and metalworking skills of the Picts. According to Professor Gordon Noble, a professor of archaeology at the University of Aberdeen, the ring is a testament to the advanced metalworking techniques employed by the Picts. “So we didn’t expect to find something so special in the floor of a former house,” Noble said in a statement.
Was Burghead an Important Seat of Power During Pictish Times?
The discovery of the dragon ring, along with other archaeological evidence found at the site, suggests that Burghead Fort was a significant seat of power during Pictish times. The ring is now being analyzed by experts at the National Museum of Scotland, who will investigate whether the ring was made locally and for whom such an important piece of jewelry could have been created.
Unraveling the Secrets of the Picts
The Picts were a mysterious and enigmatic people, known for their vibrant artistic style, which often featured intricate animal designs and symbolism. Little is known about their daily lives, social structures, and cultural practices, making discoveries like the dragon ring an essential step in unraveling the secrets of this ancient civilization.
Conclusion
The discovery of the 1,000-year-old dragon ring at Burghead Fort is a significant archaeological find, providing a unique window into the lives and craftsmanship of the Picts. As experts continue to analyze the ring and other artifacts found at the site, we may uncover more secrets about this fascinating and enigmatic people.
Keywords: Picts, Scotland, Archaeology, Burghead Fort, Dragon Ring, National Museum of Scotland, Gordon Noble, University of Aberdeen, Metalworking, Craftsmanship.
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