Archaeologists unearth flint blades dating back 9,000 years

Jan 30 2009 by Anuji Varma, Birmingham Post

Archaeologists in Birmingham have discovered two stone flint blades which date back more than 9,000 years.

A dig at Birmingham City University unearthed the amazing find, which is thought to have been dropped by a prehistoric man.

The excavation took place in between Park Street Gardens, Bartholomew Street and New Canal Street and was carried out by the University of Leicester Archeological Services between October and November.

But experts have only just revealed the details about the artefacts, which were thought to have been used for cutting by people hunting for food in the area.

Graham Rhodes, Director of Estates at Birmingham City University, said: “Finding these prehistoric relics are amazing.

“We knew the excavation would unearth some interesting things, but I never thought it would hark back to prehistoric times.

“To think that these items have been lying in the ground for more than 9,000 years ago is astonishing. This really is a case of old meets the new, as the area that was under excavation will become the University’s new city centre campus for cultural and creative activities.”

The survey also revealed evidence for woodland clearance in what would have been a boggy area of land during prehistoric times. In the 16th century, this area was outside the built-up area of medieval Birmingham known as Little Park.

Archaeologists from the University of Leicester have taken samples of sieved clay from the site to find small organic remains. Environmental specialists in charcoal, plant, pollen and beetle remains are studying the results to find out about the landscape that these early humans would have encountered.