Scientists Discover 300,000-Year-Old “Giant” Handaxe in Rare Ice Age Site

Several flint stone handaxes, some round, some pointed and of many different sizes, sit on a table. ASE Senior Archaeologist Letty Ingrey measures the largest giant handaxe using wide spring callipers. Credit: Archaeology South-East/ UCLhave unearthed some of Britain’s largest early prehistoric stone tools.

Amongst the unearthed artifacts were two extremely large flint knives described as “giant handaxes”. Handaxes are stone artifacts that have been chipped, or “knapped,” on both sides to produce a symmetrical shape with a long cutting edge. Researchers believe this type of tool was usually held in the hand and may have been used for butchering animals and cutting meat.

“These handaxes are so big it’s difficult to imagine how they could have been easily held and used. Perhaps they fulfilled a less practical or more symbolic function than other tools, a clear demonstration of strength and skill. While right now, we aren’t sure why such large tools were being made, or whichof early humans were making them, this site offers a chance to answer these exciting questions.

While archaeological finds of this age, including another spectacular ‘giant’ handaxe, have been found in the Medway Valley before, this is the first time they have been found as part of large-scale excavation, offering the opportunity to glean more insights into the lives of their makers.

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