Scotland
A dig on a construction site in Carnoustie, Angus, has produced a bronze age hoard of weapons, among other items, that dates to between 1000 BC to 800 BC.
A bronze sword and a gold spearhead are the two most valuable items, and I am not referring to their monetary value. Organic materials, namely that of a leather and wooden sheath that covered the sword – the best preserved ever found from the bronze age – and fur skin covering the gold spearhead, are equally as valuable. Items of this nature rarely survive due to climatic conditions, so the preservation of these items makes the findings even more important.
The Celtic tribes that existed in ancient Britain, prior to the many invasions from Europe, consisted of warrior clans in small numbers, most likely farming and hunting communities. Although the druids were not mentioned until at least 400 years after 800 BC, the tribes likely had shamanic priests who were also tribal leaders, soothsayers, and medical and political advisors. The gold spearhead was likely to have been used as a symbolic status symbol, but also may have been used in ritual. In other words these items may have belonged to a very important tribal leader.
On the same site, the largest neolithic hall ever found in Scotland, and dating to 4000 BC, has also been discovered. This was clearly an important settlement that had continuity for at least 3,000 years. To put that into perspective, the neolithic hall is 3,000 years older than the bronze age hoard, and the bronze age hoard is 3,000 years older than today…