Was This Burial from Maiden Castle Hillfort a Human Sacrifice? (Video)
In the heart of Maiden Castle, Dorset England, a site steeped in history, we delve into the ancient world of Iron Age hill forts. The rugged landscape, now softened by the passage of time, conceals the remarkable past. The fort, originally established in the Stone Age, came into its prime around 600 BC during the Iron Age. Of particular intrigue is an unconventional burial unearthed more than 80 years ago. Unlike most Iron Age burials, which featured individuals in fetal or crouching positions, this one stands out. The remains of a young man, aged roughly 20 to 30, were discovered sitting upright at the bottom of a pit.
The location of this burial is significant, nestled where the fort's grand expansion project took shape. The act seems intentional, possibly a sacrifice to invoke divine favor for fortification or protection. However, the exact circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery. Without visible skeletal evidence, it's unclear whether this act indeed marked a human offering. Regardless, this enigmatic burial underscores the intricate, multifaceted history of Maiden Castle, a testament to the complex rituals and beliefs of its Iron Age inhabitants.
- World’s 8 Most Haunted Castles: The Lost Souls Tormenting Visitors of Famous Bastions
- Own Your Own Piece of Ancient History - Buy an Iron Age Hillfort!
Top image: The burial at Maiden Castle Hillfort. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Smithsonian Channel.
