I keep coming across wonderful articles about current archaeological discoveries.  So this page is to house them if they are not appropriate on other pages.

Bronze Age Boating - a 3000 year old Scottish boat was uncovered in the River Tay (Perthshire, Scotland) and is started to be rescued in the summer of 2006.  The boat was carved of a single oak tree and is about 30 feet long.  It was originally discovered in 2000. Most likely this vessel was used for fishing and hunting wild birds, although it could also have been used for transporting people and goods.

image from www.scotland.zeugma.co.uk

Ness of Brodgar - in the summer of 2006 in Orkney, Scotland, a chamber tomb was discovered which is the
"missing link" between the 2 different types of Cairns found in Orkney.  It is a large oval structure divided into
radial chambers.  The archaeological evidence, points to both a domestic and ritual use. The dating is estimated at Early Bronze Age. For more details, go to:
http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/brodgar2006.htm

On the left you can see the North Eastern part of the structure.  To the right is a close up of the incised decoration found on the largest of the stones.  These images are from: http://www.orkneyjar.com/arch
aeology/brodgar2006.htm

Two-Mile-Borris, Tipperary, Ireland - An Iron Age site has been discovered in this small village, and is a significant new find.  Evidence of a large dome-like central structure, and an ancient irrigation system, are present on the site.  Additional aspects to the site include cremation sites, graves and numerous Fulacht Fiadh (cooking pits - see the Bronze-Age Ireland page for details on this type of feature)

Know o'Skea, Orkney, Scotland - this one site is so robust that it now comprises of 90% of the known Iron Age finds in all of Scotland.  The oldest part of the site dates back to 200 BC and it was in use until the 7th or 8th century AD.  At this site, adults and children were buried in 2 distinct areas.  Many of the adult bodies were in the fetal position (possibly bound into place) but some bodies had been taken apart and incorporated into the walls, etc.  Infants buried appear to have been dropped into vertical holes.

Resources for Laptop Archaeologists - most people have heard about how GIS (geographic Information systems) has enhanced Archaeology. Some may know the odd stories of previously undiscovered sites found using Google Earth.  However, did you know that for all of Wessex County in England the government and historic maps have been put online for public use?  To see for yourself, go to: www.historic-maps.com.norfolk.gov.uk