Religious News - Possible grave of a Druid found in UK

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Possible grave of a Druid found in UK

STANWAY, England, Feb. 13 A grave uncovered in Britain may for the first time provide archeological evidence for the existence of the Druids, the mystical and priestly order in ancient Britain. A series of graves found in a gravel quarry at Stanway near Colchester, Essex, dated to 40-60 A.D., contains what may be the grave of a Druid, according to a report published in British Archaeology, Discovery News reported Monday.

Archeologist Mike Pitts, the journal's editor, said classical Greek and Roman texts mention the Druids, the most detailed written in 55 B.C. by Roman military and political leader Julius Caesar. "Druids, he says, were prestigious ritual specialists who performed human sacrifices, acted as judges in disputes, were excused action in battle and taught the transmigration of souls -- when you die, your soul is passed on to another living being," Pitts told Discovery News. They were also healers and seers.

Within the wooden burial chamber, researchers found a wine warmer, cremated human remains, a cloak pinned with brooches, a jet bead, divining rods (for fortune-telling), surgical instruments, a strainer last used to brew Artemisia-containing tea, a board game carefully laid out with pieces in play and other objects.

"This person was clearly a specialist and also clearly wealthy and powerful, as indicated by the special grave and its apparent location within the compound of a 'chief.' That would all fit Caesar's Druid," he said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.

This news arrived on: 02/14/2008

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