Human Sacrifice in Ancient Britain
The Ancients

Human Sacrifice in Ancient Britain

B2Upper-intermediateSeptember 20, 20261h 1m
  • Interview
  • History

WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of graphic violence from the start. When we picture human sacrifice in ancient Britain, the iconic, flaming Wicker Man often comes to mind. But how much of this is Roman propaganda, and what does the actual archaeology reveal? Tristan Hughes is joined by archaeologist Dr. Miles Russell to separate popular myth from gruesome reality. From perfectly preserved bog bodies in the north to mysterious grain pit burials down south, who were these victims and why did they die? Presented by Tristan Hughes. Audio & video editor is Aidan Lonergan...

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friend Dr. Miles Russell from Bournemouth University to take on a contentious question.

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or have our ancestors been horribly misrepresented?

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B2 · Upper-intermediate

Comfortable if you already follow TV news

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  • 75% of the words are B1 or easier.
  • 193 words a minute: natural, fairly fast speech.
  • 262 harder words (B2 and up) in the whole episode.

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0:30

Sacrificing animals to the gods was a common feature of ancient cultures. Classical writers claim the Celtic peoples of Western Europe went further, that they sacrificed humans. But the religious rights of ancient Britain remain a mystery. Without written evidence from the Britons themselves, we don't know exactly what they thought their sacred duties were,

0:53

and what value they placed on human life. Archaeology can help to fill gaps in the written record, and today I'm joined by my good old friend Dr. Miles Russell from Bournemouth University to take on a contentious question. Did the people of Iron Age Britain and Ireland really sacrifice humans to their gods,

1:13

or have our ancestors been horribly misrepresented? Miles, always great to see you. Welcome to the show. Thank you. First, I've got to say you've just come off your latest dig, loving the beard, very much

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