Archeologists say they have discovered what are believed to be the best-preserved Bronze Age dwellings ever found in Britain, providing insight into prehistoric life from 3,000 years ago.

The settlement, near Peterborough in eastern England, was built on stilts. The buildings collapsed in a fire and plunged into a river where they were preserved in pristine condition in the river bed, the government service Historic England says. 

Roundhouse originally stood on stilts

The settlement, dating back 3,000 years to the end of the Bronze Age, would have been home to several families that lived in a number of wooden houses above water. Charred roof timbers of one of the roundhouses are visible, as are wooden posts that once enclosed the site.

Bronze Age Roundhouse

The remains of a roundhouse were discovered in the ruins. (Pascal Leblond/CBC)

Wooden slats were used to form the roundhouse

Structural remains

Wooden slats made up part of the roundhouse structure. (Pascal Leblond/CBC)

This arrowhead was discovered on the property ....

Bronze age arrow

The University of Cambridge's archeological unit is carrying out the excavation and is about halfway through the project. This arrowhead was discovered in 2006. (Peter Nicholls/Reuters)

.... as was this clay pot

Bronze age discovery vase

This clay pot was discovered in 2006 by the unit. (Peter Nichols/Rueters)

Earth, carefully divided into bags, may contain further secrets

Bronze Age discovery sample bags

A University of Cambridge archaeologist arranges sample bags of dirt. (Peter Nicholls/Reuters)

This human skull may also hold some secrets

Skull

A human skull was discovered among the ruins. Archeologists also found tools, weapons and pots and bowls with food still inside. (Pascal Leblond/CBC)

Animal bones were discovered among the ruins

Animal bones

Animal bones were also discovered among the preserved remains. (Pascal Leblond/CBC)

Upon completion of the excavation, the archeology team will take all the finds for further analysis and conservation. Eventually they will be displayed at Peterborough Museum and at other local venues, Historic England says.

Archeologists continue to unearth treasures

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Bronze age pot cleared

Archeologist Selina Davenport clears away dirt from an artifact at the site of Bronze Age village, which has been called Britain's Pompeii. (Pascal Leblond/CBC)