Treasure hunter finds ancient buried Celtic chariot in Wales

A metal detectorist, Mike Smith, has discovered an ancient Celtic chariot burial in a yet to be disclosed site in Pembrokeshire (Welsh: Sir Benfro) in the southwest of Wales. At first, when searching in February of this year, he thought he had found a medieval brooch, but he was later advised that it was a Celtic horse harness dating from around 600 BC. So he explored and found more pieces. This led to initial excavations and surveys being undertaken in June by Dyfed Archaeological Trust and National Museum Wales. Then the tops of a pair of chariot wheels were uncovered. The site has now been secured so that a full excavation can go ahead next year. 

It appears that the chariot has been buried intact and may have had the body of a Celtic chieftain or queen sitting in it. The burial ritual was reserved for high-ranking chiefs who would be interred complete with their chariot and other items. Chariot burial was an Iron Age Celtic custom. Although the wooden wheels of the chariot would have decayed, the iron wheel covers and other iron parts would remain. Along with other parts of the metal horse harness. Scans have shown there to be other metal objects underneath the chariot, which could be weapons or even treasure. A ground penetrating radar has also been used in the area of the find, that suggests there could be the remains of a large Celtic settlement.