Recent research on bones dredged from the Thames River has produced a groundbreaking database that challenges existing theories about the river as a burial site. Using radiocarbon dating on 28 previously undated skulls, along with additional historical samples, researchers were able to provide new insights into the rich tapestry of human settlements along the Thames over millennia. The mud of the river, which preserves remains by limiting oxygen exposure, continues to yield significant archaeological discoveries, underscoring the importance of this waterway in documenting historical human activity.
For the new study, researchers dated bones by measuring the amount of a carbon isotope in each one. This method has been pivotal in revealing new insights about the human remains found along the river.
The river's mud, which lacks oxygen, is a sealant that helps preserve remains, allowing researchers to unearth a diverse array of historical artifacts and gain a deeper understanding of human civilization.
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