Overview

• Radiocarbon dating confirms the Maiden Castle killings occurred between the 1st century BCE and 1st century CE, predating the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD.
• The violence was characterized by 'gangland-style executions' as rival Iron Age tribes fought for control over trade and territorial dominance.
• The original interpretation from the 1936 excavation, which attributed the deaths to a Roman assault, has been refuted by new evidence.
• The findings highlight the complex social dynamics and conflicts among Iron Age tribes, challenging long-held historical narratives.
• This reinterpretation raises questions about the understanding of other archaeological sites in southwest Britain.