German archaeologists have uncovered about a hundred human bodies from the banks of the Tollense River that date to around 1200 BC. Most, but not all, are young men. At least eight have evidence of severe trauma, potentially fatal; one arm bone has an embedded arrowhead. They found no evidence that the bodies had been intentionally buried, and they speculate that they are the remains of a battle. I can easily imagine an attack launched on members of a rival tribe as they were crossing the river -- a classic tactic -- leading to this slaughter. But then, it could be a lot of other things, too.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A Bronze Age Battle?
German archaeologists have uncovered about a hundred human bodies from the banks of the Tollense River that date to around 1200 BC. Most, but not all, are young men. At least eight have evidence of severe trauma, potentially fatal; one arm bone has an embedded arrowhead. They found no evidence that the bodies had been intentionally buried, and they speculate that they are the remains of a battle. I can easily imagine an attack launched on members of a rival tribe as they were crossing the river -- a classic tactic -- leading to this slaughter. But then, it could be a lot of other things, too.
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