Summary
Archaeologists working on the HS2 train line project in the UK have uncovered about 450,000 historical objects. These items, including a Roman gladiator tag and a hand axe possibly over 40,000 years old, are stored in a secret warehouse in Yorkshire. The location of these discoveries has sparked debates about the project's costs and environmental impact.
Key Facts
- Around 1,000 archaeologists have participated in 60 digs along the HS2 route from London to Birmingham since 2018.
- The HS2 project's construction has been delayed, with completion now expected after 2033.
- The archaeological finds, stored in 7,300 boxes, include items such as Roman artifacts and 19th-century dentures.
- The exact location of the warehouse storing these items is kept secret for security reasons.
- The future of the objects, including their ownership and public display, is still to be decided.
- Critics like MP Greg Smith argue that the project's expenses and environmental damage outweigh its benefits.
- HS2 Chief Executive Mark Wild acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the careful archaeological work conducted.
- Some artifacts have already been shown to the public, with more set for potential future exhibitions.
