Llyn Cerrig Bach

Archaeological site of the Iron Age

Llyn Cerrig Bach (Welsh [ ɬɨn kɛrɪg ba ː χ ], lake of the small stones, " Lake of small stones " ) is the name of a small lake in the northwest of the Welsh island of Anglesey near Llanfihangel yn Nhowyn. In the years 1942/43, a vertex of the Royal Air Force ( RAF) was found the most important stock of artifacts from the La Tène period in the British Isles during the construction here.

Archaeological site

When draining the marshy shore area in the bog Cors yr Ynys on the southern edge of Lake Iron Age artifacts came to light. First, an iron slave chain was discovered, however, was not immediately recognized as the Iron Age. The more than 2,000 -year-old chain was initially as a tow rope stuck vehicles for use. After the later date but made ​​a systematic search began by archaeologists Cyril Fox.

A total of 181 artifacts from iron, copper and bronze, as well as several animal bones were found, mainly produce various offensive and defensive weapons ( some of the parts was such a car reconstructed ) to the 22 fittings and other remains of chariots, harness, remains of Carnyx ( trumpet), boilers fragments, fittings for cult bars and scepter and another slave chain. A moon shaped gold plated bronze plate from the 2nd or 1st century BC is divided by circle punches in triskel. On deliberate bending and breaking of found objects its purpose was to recognize as offerings.

The place of manufacture was partly as locally, partly in Ireland, but are mostly located in southern England. The time of use as a place of sacrifice was from the 2nd century BC until the invasion of the Romans ( 1st century AD), dated, most offerings were deposited between 150 BC to 60 AD.

When around 60 AD conquered the Roman general Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, governor and Anglesey, the island was an important center of Druidism, which confirms the importance of the sacrificial place. From this point almost no more sacrifices Llyn Cerrig Bach took place in.

Almost all of the artifacts are now on display at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff.