According to BBC News, archaeologists have returned to a hillside excavation site near Shrewsbury, Shropshire, where they made a remarkable discovery earlier this year. The unusual sandstone carving, named the Nessglyph, was found in January at Nesscliffe hill, a location containing remains of an Iron Age hillfort later occupied by the Romans.
Credit: Shropshire Council
The stone carving, adorned with circular and straight lines, caught the attention of archaeologists Dr. Paul Reilly and Gary Lock.
According to Dr. Reilly, a visiting fellow at the University of Southampton, it is exceedingly rare to find such cut marks in carvings within Britain, making this finding particularly significant.
The initial thrill of the discovery quickly evolved into curiosity as the archaeologists sought to uncover the meaning behind the intricate carving. Dr. Reilly expressed his excitement, saying, “That was terribly exciting for us, but then we started looking at what did it mean?”
Intriguingly, the discovery piqued the interest of experts from various countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Japan. Archaeological teams sought ᴀssistance from the global community to identify the enigmatic Nessglyph, resulting in an overwhelming response.
Dr. Reilly stated, “We literally were getting two dozen emails every day for nearly four months, from all around the world.”
The sandstone carving features a figure with four horns, leading Dr. Reilly to speculate that it might represent a deity with historical ties to the Pagan movement, adding an even deeper layer of fascination to the find.
To share this extraordinary discovery with the public, the excavation site is set to open its doors on Sunday, allowing visitors to marvel at the ancient enigma between 10:00 and 16:00 BST.
This opportunity offers a chance for enthusiasts to witness firsthand the mysterious Nessglyph and the compelling history it represents.
With the global interest it has already generated, the Nessglyph promises to be a subject of research and discussion among archaeologists worldwide.
