Did women have more power in Iron Age Britain than elsewhere? New discoveries from Britain's largest known Iron Age cemetery suggest yes!
At the site of Duropolis in Dorset, excavations led by the University of Bournemouth are revealing the prominence of women in Britain's pre-Roman societies. New genetic research on human remains has shown the existence of matrilocal societies across Britain - where women stayed put and men joined these communities from elsewhere. This means land was likely passed down the female line.
Tristan Hughes heads to Dorset to find out more about this new research and how it is reshaping our view of Iron Age Britain. A fascinating, developing story that combines history, archaeology and new DNA evidence.
You can learn more about Duropolis and the Durotriges Dig project here - https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/projects/durotriges-project
Up Next in Digging up History
-
Lindisfarne: Faith and Vikings
In 793 AD, the holy island of Lindisfarne was subject to one of the most infamous Viking raids on Britain. ‘Heathen' men plundered the sacred monastery in an event that shook Christian Europe.
Dan Snow travels across the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne to discover the rich culture of this holy pla...
-
Fortress Britain: Ardoch Roman Fort
Join Tristan Hughes in this short documentary as he explores the fascinating history of Ardoch Roman Fort in Scotland. Featuring historians Rebecca Jones and Andrew Tibbs.
-
In Search of the Great Viking Army
In 865 AD, England was invaded by the Great Heathen Army. The Great Viking Army, as it was also known, was made up of a coalition of Scandinavian warriors mainly from Denmark and, legend has it, four of the five sons of Ragnar Lothbrok, including Halfdan Ragnarsson, Ivar the Boneless, Bjorn Irone...
8 Comments