Excavations carried out in Kent have revealed a treasure trove of prehistoric artefacts preserved in deep Ice Age sediments. The site, located above the Medway Valley in Frindsbury, was excavated prior to the development of the Maritime Academy School. Researchers from UCL Archaeology South-East uncovered approximately 800 stone artefacts, estimated to be over 300,000 years old, which were buried in sediments filling a sinkhole and ancient river channel.
Among the remarkable finds were two exceptionally large flint knives described as “giant handaxes.” These handaxes were symmetrical stone tools with a chipped, or “knapped,” cutting edge. The researchers believe that they were primarily used for butchering animals and cutting meat. The two largest handaxes discovered at the Maritime site possess a unique shape, featuring a long and finely crafted pointed tip with a thick base.
The senior archaeologist, Letty Ingrey from UCL Institute of Archaeology, referred to these tools as “giants” due to their impressive size, measuring over 22cm in length. One handaxe, measuring a colossal 29.5cm, ranks among the longest ever found in Britain. Such “giant handaxes” are typically found in the Thames and Medway regions, dating back over 300,000 years. The purpose of these massive tools and the identity of the early humans who crafted them remain intriguing questions that this site may help answer.
The site is believed to belong to a period in early British prehistory when Neanderthal people were emerging and coexisting with other early human species. The Medway Valley at that time was a wild landscape, featuring wooded hills, river valleys, and diverse fauna such as red deer, horses, and now-extinct species like the straight-tusked elephant and lion.
Although archaeological finds of similar age, including another impressive “giant” handaxe, have been previously discovered in the Medway Valley, this large-scale excavation provides a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into the lives of the individuals who created these artefacts.
Dr Matt Pope from UCL Institute of Archaeology emphasized the importance of the Maritime Academy excavations in understanding the development of an Ice Age landscape that existed a quarter of a million years ago. Further scientific analysis involving specialists from UCL and other UK institutions will shed light on the significance of the site to ancient people and how these stone artefacts, including the “giant handaxes,” helped them adapt to the challenges of Ice Age environments.
Additionally, a Roman cemetery dating back to a quarter of a million years after the Ice Age activity was discovered at the same site. Senior Archaeologist Giles Dawkes, also from UCL Institute of Archaeology, is leading the study of this remarkable find, which includes the remains of 25 individuals buried between the first and fourth centuries AD. The cemetery provides insights into Roman burial customs and traditions, offering potential new knowledge about the inhabitants of the nearby villa and the town of Rochester.
The discovery has generated excitement among educators as well. Jody Murphy, Director of Education at the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, expressed gratitude for being part of this extraordinary discovery. The Maritime Academy and the Trust aim to incorporate the finds into their teaching to create a lasting legacy for their students and deepen their connection to the history of Medway.