Unearthing Rutland's Ancient Past: "Hunters & Hyenas in Prehistoric Rutland" Talk

Unearthing Rutland's Ancient Past: "Hunters & Hyenas in Prehistoric Rutland" Talk

Step back in time and discover a fascinating chapter of Rutland's incredibly distant past with a captivating free talk titled "Hunters & Hyenas in Prehistoric Rutland." This special event, featuring renowned archaeologist John Thomas from the University of Leicester Archaeological Service (ULAS), will take place today, Saturday, July 19th, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Rutland County Museum in Oakham.

The talk will delve into an extraordinary discovery made in the spring of 2000 in the Rutland village of Glaston. While investigating Medieval village remains, archaeologists stumbled upon something far more ancient: artefacts dating back approximately 40,000 years to the Early Upper Palaeolithic period. This rare find offered a unique glimpse into a time when early humans roamed the landscape, leaving behind crucial evidence of their lives.

Attendees will learn about the remarkable collection of worked flint tools, including a distinctive leaf-point spearhead, suggesting the site was once a temporary hunting camp for these prehistoric inhabitants. Even more astonishing was the discovery of remains from a den occupied by spotted hyenas, painting a vivid picture of the formidable creatures that once shared this ancient land.

John Thomas, who directed these pivotal excavations, will guide the audience through the thrilling story of how this discovery was made. He will share the compelling results of the excavation and illuminate the immense significance of these findings in understanding the earliest periods of Rutland's rich history.

Imagine a Rutland vastly different from today – a landscape teeming with now-extinct wildlife such as the majestic woolly mammoths, formidable woolly rhinoceros, and elusive wolverines. Thomas's talk will transport you to this primeval world, offering insights into the environment and the challenges faced by both the early human hunters and the powerful hyenas that coexisted in this ancient ecosystem.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with Rutland's deep archaeological heritage. To secure your place for this insightful and free presentation, please book in advance by emailing your NAME & CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER to museum@rutland.gov.uk.

Don't miss out on this incredible journey to prehistoric Rutland, today at the Rutland County Museum!

Event Details:

Event: Hunters & Hyenas in Prehistoric Rutland

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM

Venue: Rutland County Museum, Catmos Street, Oakham, LE15 6HW

Price: FREE