Archaeological digs at Must Farm, Cambridgeshire, have revealed a uniquely rich Bronze Age site, offering a detailed insight into daily life almost 3,000 years ago. Led by the archaeological unit of the University of Cambridge, this exceptional excavation uncovered the remains of an establishment built on stilts, suddenly destroyed by a fire.
The objects found, ranging from sophisticated tools to food remains, bear witness to an advanced and organized society. The results of this investigation, published by the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, demonstrate an unprecedented level of conservation and detail. This site, nicknamed “British Pompeii”, transforms our understanding of Bronze Age Europe, revealing aspects of the technology, diet and social life of this ancient period.
Must Farm, the British Pompeii
Must Farm is located in Cambridgeshire in the United Kingdom. This unique establishment, built on stilts above a watercourse, had an ephemeral but intense existence. Around 850 BCE, after approximately nine months of occupation, a catastrophic fire ravaged the community. The sudden nature of this disaster caught residents off guard, forcing them to abandon their homes and possessions in a desperate struggle for survival.
The Must Farm tragedy, however, also created a unique opportunity for archaeologists. The destruction by fire, followed by the rapid engulfment of structures and objects in the mud of the River Nene, resulted in exceptional preservation of the artifacts.
Everyday objects, such as tools, pottery, clothing and even food, have been preserved in remarkable condition. It is a real window into daily life in the Bronze Age. It reveals the domestic and economic activities of the community, more intimate aspects of their lives, such as their diets and their artisanal practices.
A rich daily life at Must Farm in the Bronze Age
Nearly 200 wooden artifacts, testifying to the skill and diversity of woodworking techniques of the time, have been discovered. This includes tools used in daily life to structural elements of homes. More than 150 fiber and textile objects, as well as 128 pottery vessels, offer clues to domestic practices.
They then reveal the consumption patterns and aesthetic traditions of the community. The more than 90 pieces of metallurgy found include tools and ornaments. The latter thus reveal advanced know-how in metalworking. This diversity of objects shows a community engaged in a variety of craft, agricultural and domestic activities. She undoubtedly possessed remarkable technical mastery for her time.
Bronze Age pots at Must Farm. © Cambridge Archaeological Unit/PA
The analysis of food remains made it possible to reconstruct the diet of the inhabitants of Must Farm. This diet was rather rich and varied. Discoveries include meat stews, dumplings or ravioli, and bread. Archaeologists also discovered pork and lamb chops, indicating a balanced and diversified diet.
The presence of these foods reflects, on the one hand, a certain prosperity. On the other hand, individuals had extensive knowledge of cooking and food preservation techniques. Personal items like decorated textiles and exotic glass beads demonstrate a level of social and cultural sophistication. This society valued aesthetics and comfort. A more nuanced side of life in the Bronze Age is revealed.
Reconstruction of the village. © Cambridge Archaeological Unit/PA
Advanced technologies
The people of Must Farm have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and capacity for innovation. Multi-functional axes demonstrate an advanced understanding of the need for multi-purpose tools in everyday life.
These axes, designed to allow rapid exchange of heads suitable for different tasks, reveal a pragmatic and ingenious approach. This ability to design modular tools indicates anticipation of future needs. Qualities that contradict the image of an exclusively brutal and primitive prehistoric existence.
Furthermore, the discovery of pots designed to stack on top of each other reveals a sophistication in the design of everyday objects. It goes well beyond simple functionality. This innovation occurred long before the invention of the potter’s wheel. She shows a thorough understanding of space and organization. The community seemed to pay particular attention to efficiency and conservation of resources.
These characteristics suggest a society that valued order, efficiency and visual appearance in its domestic environment. These elements challenge traditional perceptions of rudimentary prehistoric life. They paint a portrait of a community seeking to improve its quality of life and optimize its daily practices.
The written ending of Farm Must
The enigma surrounding the catastrophic Must Farm fire has intrigued researchers, leaving room for various theories about its origin. The discovery of weapons such as spears and swords at the site fuels speculation that an external attack would be a triggering factor.
Spear tip. © Cambridge Archaeological Unit/PA
However, the absence of human remains suggests that residents had time to urgently evacuate their homes. The configuration of the village, with wooden houses built on stilts and packed close together, probably created a chimney effect. It exacerbated the intensity and speed of the fire’s spread. This is what sealed the fate of this Bronze Age community.
Source: Mcdonald Institute Monographs and Conservations
