The Warriors of Britain's Bronze Age Revolution

Archaeologists found the burial of a man who died in about 2,300 BC at Amesbury in Wiltshire, England, just three miles from the famous ancient site of Stonehenge.

The grave dates to the early Bronze Age in Britain, a time of great change that brought new people to these islands from northern Europe. With them came new technologies like metalworking in and new traditions, involving pottery vessels that archaeologists call Bell Beakers.

Most of these Bell beaker era graves contain few burial goods. But this one is different. It contained the richest array of items ever found in a grave from this period in Britain.

The astonishing number and richness of the finds also led to the British media calling him “The King of Stonehenge.”

So who was this man? Where did he come from and why was he buried here? Did he really have anything to do with the building of Stonehenge or ruling over the area? And what was happening here and in the rest of Britain at this time of immense change?

This is the story of the Amesbury Archer.

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*My Links*

*Sources*

The Neolithic-Bronze Age Transition in Britain A critical review of some archaeological and craniological concepts by Neil Brodie

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*Artworks*

Archer reconstruction by Greg Harlin
Archer reconstruction by Jane Grayne

*Thank you*

*Video Chapters*

00:00 Who was the Amesbury Archer?
02:25 The Discovery and Excavation
03:57 The Bell Beaker burial tradition
05:40 Why was the Archer's burial special?
09:25 The earliest gold in Britain
11:08 The Amesbury Archer had a disability
12:04 Where did he come from?
12:50 The Bell Beaker culture
15:53 The Bell Beaker colonisation of Britain
21:00 Who was the Archer's Companion?
22:20 Who were the Boscombe Bowmen?
23:06 The King of Stonehenge?

[DanDavisHistory]

Thanks for watching. Please do hit "like" on the video, it really helps me out.

[TheCoackroach]

I often think of how privileged we are to receive such outstanding content for free in our time. Not even a hundred years ago such knowledge would be prohibitively expensive to acquire and now I can eat noodles while being given a lecture on par with any university. Your work will be remembered, Sir, for the work of education shapes the future more than any other.

[stellaclarke-hxbq]

I actually live very close to where amesbury archer 's burial place was discovered. Beautiful sky, beautiful sunsets. I sometimes feel in touch with those of long ago who must have also watched the wonderfully beautiful sunsets. what a great privilege for me.

[brovold]

I live in a part of the Great Plains where several different Native American tribes have predominated over the centuries (most recently the Sioux/Lakota). It is illuminating to realize that it wasn't necessarily grand invasions (or genocides) that explain many of the changes on the historical maps, but the gradual introductions of new technologies, languages, and cultural practices being adopted by the existing populations.

[fratercontenduntocculta]

Always a great day when Dan posts a new video! It's such a blessing to live in the times we do now, free to explore the past in ways out ancestors could only dream of.

[TyrSkyFatherOfTheGods]

Your documentaries are so deeply engaging, Dan, thank you! The narration, the detailed graphics - just exceptional! Happy to be a Patreon.

[nickbarton]

Thanks Dan for yet another absolutely fascinating video. You brilliantly capture the humanity within the history.

[axelrodaxel]

I do love the insightful, open minded and lightly humorous way you cover these very distant nuggets of our history.

[vincent]

I wanna say thank you, I had pneumonia over Christmas and into February and in the time I was awake I watched lots of your content it is fascinating. I'm lucky to be based in Dover at the moment and as you know there's many historical sites locally and I can look at it all with a greater knowledge thanks to you. YouTube is something else mate, thanks again.

[Consti-News]

Lovely editing, footage and narration as always.
I'm definitely looking forward to watching the documentary fully after work.
Respect from Germany! 💪

[MagnusItland]

The fact that he was so highly esteemed despite his disability implies that he was either a hereditary ruler or performed some truly impressive feats in his youth, quite possibly both. But then he may have taken an arrow to his knee, cutting short his adventures.

[iacopoguidi]

I really love Dan's videos, and the best thing about his scripts for me, is how he alwasy gives a bunch of cool but very plausible hypotesis about the use, function or history of artifacts we can't know about for sure. It's like tens of little stories in one.

[MartyHodge]

I'm an R1b and love the way you convey the early history of Britain.

[moniquetheobald]

Great video Dan, my dad did his training in Wiltshire and used to paint Stonehenge. Certainly a magical place. Love your books, yours videos and what a lovely voice you have : ) X

[mikef.]

Another great documentary, thanks so much Dan! Well explained, right amount of caution, and engaged with the current research.

[seanwhelan]

A wonderful piece of work. You never cease to amaze . Optics, narration and information simply fantastic. Thank you so much Dan . 🇮🇪

[spcm]

What a fascinating video again Dan. I love how you tell a story, you bring history alive!

[admiralsquatbar]

An enjoyable lunchtime video. A great video about the Amesbury Archer. Thanks Dan.

[bruhzil]

Just as I finished watching all your previous videos, ha! Thank you for all your work Dan!

[robertdiehl]

Excellent video. And, appreciate the look into the world this man lived in. It can, even thousands of years later reveal how human we are.