Thames Bones Reveal Ancient Mystery

Hundreds of human bones, mostly from the Bronze (2300–800 BC) and Iron Ages (800 BC–AD 43), have been dredged from the River Thames.

Nichola Arthur’s team at the Natural History Museum radiocarbon-dated 30 skeletons, confirming a 6,000-year span (4000 BC–AD 1800).

Theories include ritual depositions or ancient battles, supported by skeletal trauma.

The Thames’ anaerobic mud preserves remains.

Further injury analysis is planned.