An Iron Age chariot and two horse skeletons have been unearthed at an East Yorkshire building site.
The 2,500-year-old remains have been dubbed by experts as 'highly unusual'.
The find is the first of its kind in the last 200 years and one of only 26 ever excavated in the UK.
It has been described as a find of 'international significance'.
The 'rare discovery' will help researchers better understand the Arras culture - a group of people who lived in the region at the time
Revealed: 2,500-year-old chariot and two horse skeletons unearthed at an East Yorkshire building site could shed light on strange Iron Age burial rituals
The site was discovered on a housing development in Pocklington, East Yorkshire
The unusual remains have been dubbed a find of 'international significance'
The site includes more than 75 square pits with skeletons from the Arras Culture
Previous excavations revealed objects including a sword, shield and spears
By Harry Pettit For Mailonline
30 March 2017
An Iron Age chariot and two horse skeletons have been unearthed at an East Yorkshire building site.
The 2,500-year-old remains have been dubbed by experts as 'highly unusual'.
The find is the first of its kind in the last 200 years and one of only 26 ever excavated in the UK.
It has been described as a find of 'international significance'.
An Iron Age chariot and two horse skeletons have been unearthed. The 2,500-year-old remains have been dubbed by experts as 'highly unusual'. The two skeletons can be seen in the foreground of this image, while one of the chariot's wheels is seen behind them
The peculiar remains were found at a new housing development in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, which has forced planners to hold off on their builds.
Archaeologists working on the site say that the remains may link to a strange human burial ritual.
Further testing and analysis of the remains is expected to reveal more information.
Paula Ware, from MAP Archaeological Practice, told BBC News that the find could shed more light on Iron Age burial rituals.
She said that the positioning and close proximity of the horses to the chariot suggests they played a key role in the burial ceremony.
Ms Ware added that the 'rare discovery' would help researchers better understand the Arras culture - a group of people who lived in the region at the time
In 2014 a housing developer stumbled upon the site and now the ancient settlement is said to be of extreme 'national and international significance'.
Since then archaeologists have excavated more than 75 Iron Age burial graves, known as 'barrows'.
Last year, a buried Iron Age fighter was found at the site, which experts believe was once a migrant camp.
Archaeologists work on the horse and chariot remains. The find is the first of its kind in the last 200 years and one of only 26 ever excavated in the UK. It has been described as a find of 'international significance'
Archaeologists working on the site say that the remains may link to a strange human burial ritual. Further testing and analysis of the remains is expected to reveal more information
The remains were of a man in his late teens or 20s, who died with his sword at his side. Before his death he reportedly had six spears pressed into him 'like a hedgehog'.
The amazing find will allow the largest study of an Iron Age population in the last 35 years, developers at the site said.
Developer David Wilson Homes found the settlement at its Pavilion Square site after breaking ground in September 2014.
Excavation at the site has already revealed a haul of Iron Age objects, including a sword, a shield and ten spears.
The peculiar remains were found at a new housing development in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, which has forced planners to hold off on their builds
A buried Iron Age fighter (right) found in the 2,500-year-old migrant camp last year was said to have been 'speared like a hedgehog'. Pictured (left) is Map Archaeological Practice Ltd staff member Sophie Coy holding a spear head
Map Archaeological Practice Ltd staff member Sophie Coy holds a spear head that was found at a 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in Pocklington, East Yorkshire
In addition to the weapons, more than 360 amber and glass beads, brooches and ancient pots have been unearthed.
A spokesman from the developers said the majority of barrows excavated have been well-preserved, with only a few being damaged by soil conditions and ploughing.
A major focus area of the archaeological analysis will concentrate on whether the population is indigenous, or migrants from the European continent.
Analysis will also hopefully reveal how those buried at the site died, what stresses their bodies had been placed under during their lifespan, and whether or not they were related.
A 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in East Yorkshire is said to be 'of international significance.' It will allow the largest study of an Iron Age population in the last 35 years, according to researchers
Map Archaeological Practice Ltd staff member Sophie Coy holds a bronze brooch with coral enamel that was found at a 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in Pocklington
The findings additionally revealed a mixture of men, women and children.
'To date, the east of Yorkshire has the largest concentration of 'Arras Culture' square barrows, and naturally these findings have helped to strengthen this,' said Paula Ware, managing director at MAP Archaeological Practice.
'We are hoping that these findings shed light on the ritual of Iron Age burial - and, as we can assume from the shield and sword burials, these were significant members of society, so our understanding of culture and key figures of the time could be really enhanced.
'On the whole this is a hugely important discovery and is a fine example of what can be revealed and discovered if house developers and archaeologists work hand-in-hand to reveal the nation's hidden history.'
Knives that were found at a 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in Pocklington, East Yorkshire
The excavation at the site has already revealed objects including a sword, shield and ten spears. In addition to the weapons, more than 360 amber and glass beads, brooches and ancient pots have also been discovered. Pictures show a glass bead (left) silver pin (middle) and and iron knife (right)
'These findings are of national significance and could help shape our understanding of the 'Arras Culture' and indeed the Iron Age as a whole,' said Peter Morris, development director at David Wilson Homes.
'At present we are still at the early analytical stages of reviewing these findings, however we do understand that this discovery is very rare and of international importance.'
The Iron Age period began around 800 BC.
The findings also revealed a mixture of men, women and children. A skeleton under analysis is pictured. The study will hopefully reveal how those buried at the site died, what stresses the body had been placed in during their lifespan, and whether or not they are related
Many people of the period were farmers, growing growing wheat, barley and beans along with animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs.
The Arras culture is associated with east Yorkshire and is defined by its strange burial practices, which include burials in round and square graves.
Burials with chariots were reserved for the rich and powerful members of Arras society.
Much about Iron Age culture is not known because cremation burials were popular at the time, so Arras burials offers a unique insight into Iron age life.
THE 'ARRAS' PEOPLE
Experts claim that the rare horse and chariot discovery will help researchers better understand the Arras culture - a group of people who lived in the region during the Iron Age.
The Iron Age period began around 800 BC.
Many people of the period were farmers, growing growing wheat, barley and beans along with animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs.
The Arras culture is associated with East Yorkshire and is defined by its strange burial practices, which include burials in round and square graves.
Burials with chariots were reserved for the rich and powerful members of Arras society.
Much about Iron Age culture is not known because cremation burials were popular at the time, so Arras burials offers a unique insight into Iron age life.
THE 'INTERNATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT' SITE
The majority of barrows excavated have been well-preserved, with only a few damaged
A 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in East Yorkshire is said to be 'of international significance.'
David Wilson Homes found the settlement at its Pavilion Square development after it started work in September 2014.
The site includes more than 75 square barrows that contained skeletons from the Arras Culture - a group of people who lived in the region in the Middle Iron Age as far back as 800BC.
The excavation at the site has already revealed objects including a sword, shield and ten spears.
A spokesman from the developers said the majority of barrows excavated so far have been well-preserved, with only a few being damaged by soil conditions and ploughing.
In addition to the weapons, more than 360 amber and glass beads, brooches and ancient pots have also been discovered.
Analysis will also reveal how those buried at the site died, what stresses the body had been placed in during their lifespan and whether or not they are related.
The developers are hoping that these findings shed light on the ritual of Iron Age burial. It can be assumed from the shield and sword burials that these were significant members of society, so could help further our understanding of culture and key figures of the time
'These findings are of national significance and could help shape our understanding of the 'Arras Culture' and indeed the Iron Age as a whole,' said Peter Morris, development director at David Wilson Homes
Bronze brooch with coral decoration found at the site
'To date, the east of Yorkshire has the largest concentration of 'Arras Culture' square barrows, and naturally these findings have helped to strengthen this,' said Paula Ware from MAP Archaeological Practice
A bronze brooch with coral enamel that was found at a 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in Pocklington, East Yorkshire during work on a housing development which is said to be of international significance and is enabling a large study of Iron Age culture
The David Wilson Homes building site in Pocklington, East Yorkshire
The 2,500-year-old remains have been dubbed by experts as 'highly unusual'.
The find is the first of its kind in the last 200 years and one of only 26 ever excavated in the UK.
It has been described as a find of 'international significance'.
The 'rare discovery' will help researchers better understand the Arras culture - a group of people who lived in the region at the time
Revealed: 2,500-year-old chariot and two horse skeletons unearthed at an East Yorkshire building site could shed light on strange Iron Age burial rituals
The site was discovered on a housing development in Pocklington, East Yorkshire
The unusual remains have been dubbed a find of 'international significance'
The site includes more than 75 square pits with skeletons from the Arras Culture
Previous excavations revealed objects including a sword, shield and spears
By Harry Pettit For Mailonline
30 March 2017
An Iron Age chariot and two horse skeletons have been unearthed at an East Yorkshire building site.
The 2,500-year-old remains have been dubbed by experts as 'highly unusual'.
The find is the first of its kind in the last 200 years and one of only 26 ever excavated in the UK.
It has been described as a find of 'international significance'.
An Iron Age chariot and two horse skeletons have been unearthed. The 2,500-year-old remains have been dubbed by experts as 'highly unusual'. The two skeletons can be seen in the foreground of this image, while one of the chariot's wheels is seen behind them
The peculiar remains were found at a new housing development in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, which has forced planners to hold off on their builds.
Archaeologists working on the site say that the remains may link to a strange human burial ritual.
Further testing and analysis of the remains is expected to reveal more information.
Paula Ware, from MAP Archaeological Practice, told BBC News that the find could shed more light on Iron Age burial rituals.
She said that the positioning and close proximity of the horses to the chariot suggests they played a key role in the burial ceremony.
Ms Ware added that the 'rare discovery' would help researchers better understand the Arras culture - a group of people who lived in the region at the time
In 2014 a housing developer stumbled upon the site and now the ancient settlement is said to be of extreme 'national and international significance'.
Since then archaeologists have excavated more than 75 Iron Age burial graves, known as 'barrows'.
Last year, a buried Iron Age fighter was found at the site, which experts believe was once a migrant camp.
Archaeologists work on the horse and chariot remains. The find is the first of its kind in the last 200 years and one of only 26 ever excavated in the UK. It has been described as a find of 'international significance'
Archaeologists working on the site say that the remains may link to a strange human burial ritual. Further testing and analysis of the remains is expected to reveal more information
The remains were of a man in his late teens or 20s, who died with his sword at his side. Before his death he reportedly had six spears pressed into him 'like a hedgehog'.
The amazing find will allow the largest study of an Iron Age population in the last 35 years, developers at the site said.
Developer David Wilson Homes found the settlement at its Pavilion Square site after breaking ground in September 2014.
Excavation at the site has already revealed a haul of Iron Age objects, including a sword, a shield and ten spears.
The peculiar remains were found at a new housing development in Pocklington, East Yorkshire, which has forced planners to hold off on their builds
A buried Iron Age fighter (right) found in the 2,500-year-old migrant camp last year was said to have been 'speared like a hedgehog'. Pictured (left) is Map Archaeological Practice Ltd staff member Sophie Coy holding a spear head
Map Archaeological Practice Ltd staff member Sophie Coy holds a spear head that was found at a 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in Pocklington, East Yorkshire
In addition to the weapons, more than 360 amber and glass beads, brooches and ancient pots have been unearthed.
A spokesman from the developers said the majority of barrows excavated have been well-preserved, with only a few being damaged by soil conditions and ploughing.
A major focus area of the archaeological analysis will concentrate on whether the population is indigenous, or migrants from the European continent.
Analysis will also hopefully reveal how those buried at the site died, what stresses their bodies had been placed under during their lifespan, and whether or not they were related.
A 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in East Yorkshire is said to be 'of international significance.' It will allow the largest study of an Iron Age population in the last 35 years, according to researchers
Map Archaeological Practice Ltd staff member Sophie Coy holds a bronze brooch with coral enamel that was found at a 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in Pocklington
The findings additionally revealed a mixture of men, women and children.
'To date, the east of Yorkshire has the largest concentration of 'Arras Culture' square barrows, and naturally these findings have helped to strengthen this,' said Paula Ware, managing director at MAP Archaeological Practice.
'We are hoping that these findings shed light on the ritual of Iron Age burial - and, as we can assume from the shield and sword burials, these were significant members of society, so our understanding of culture and key figures of the time could be really enhanced.
'On the whole this is a hugely important discovery and is a fine example of what can be revealed and discovered if house developers and archaeologists work hand-in-hand to reveal the nation's hidden history.'
Knives that were found at a 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in Pocklington, East Yorkshire
The excavation at the site has already revealed objects including a sword, shield and ten spears. In addition to the weapons, more than 360 amber and glass beads, brooches and ancient pots have also been discovered. Pictures show a glass bead (left) silver pin (middle) and and iron knife (right)
'These findings are of national significance and could help shape our understanding of the 'Arras Culture' and indeed the Iron Age as a whole,' said Peter Morris, development director at David Wilson Homes.
'At present we are still at the early analytical stages of reviewing these findings, however we do understand that this discovery is very rare and of international importance.'
The Iron Age period began around 800 BC.
The findings also revealed a mixture of men, women and children. A skeleton under analysis is pictured. The study will hopefully reveal how those buried at the site died, what stresses the body had been placed in during their lifespan, and whether or not they are related
Many people of the period were farmers, growing growing wheat, barley and beans along with animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs.
The Arras culture is associated with east Yorkshire and is defined by its strange burial practices, which include burials in round and square graves.
Burials with chariots were reserved for the rich and powerful members of Arras society.
Much about Iron Age culture is not known because cremation burials were popular at the time, so Arras burials offers a unique insight into Iron age life.
THE 'ARRAS' PEOPLE
Experts claim that the rare horse and chariot discovery will help researchers better understand the Arras culture - a group of people who lived in the region during the Iron Age.
The Iron Age period began around 800 BC.
Many people of the period were farmers, growing growing wheat, barley and beans along with animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs.
The Arras culture is associated with East Yorkshire and is defined by its strange burial practices, which include burials in round and square graves.
Burials with chariots were reserved for the rich and powerful members of Arras society.
Much about Iron Age culture is not known because cremation burials were popular at the time, so Arras burials offers a unique insight into Iron age life.
THE 'INTERNATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT' SITE
The majority of barrows excavated have been well-preserved, with only a few damaged
A 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in East Yorkshire is said to be 'of international significance.'
David Wilson Homes found the settlement at its Pavilion Square development after it started work in September 2014.
The site includes more than 75 square barrows that contained skeletons from the Arras Culture - a group of people who lived in the region in the Middle Iron Age as far back as 800BC.
The excavation at the site has already revealed objects including a sword, shield and ten spears.
A spokesman from the developers said the majority of barrows excavated so far have been well-preserved, with only a few being damaged by soil conditions and ploughing.
In addition to the weapons, more than 360 amber and glass beads, brooches and ancient pots have also been discovered.
Analysis will also reveal how those buried at the site died, what stresses the body had been placed in during their lifespan and whether or not they are related.
The developers are hoping that these findings shed light on the ritual of Iron Age burial. It can be assumed from the shield and sword burials that these were significant members of society, so could help further our understanding of culture and key figures of the time
'These findings are of national significance and could help shape our understanding of the 'Arras Culture' and indeed the Iron Age as a whole,' said Peter Morris, development director at David Wilson Homes
Bronze brooch with coral decoration found at the site
'To date, the east of Yorkshire has the largest concentration of 'Arras Culture' square barrows, and naturally these findings have helped to strengthen this,' said Paula Ware from MAP Archaeological Practice
A bronze brooch with coral enamel that was found at a 2,500-year-old settlement discovered in Pocklington, East Yorkshire during work on a housing development which is said to be of international significance and is enabling a large study of Iron Age culture
The David Wilson Homes building site in Pocklington, East Yorkshire