Built over a wide river with access to the North Sea and inland farms, these Bronze Age houses were well-positioned perches for people to trade grain, meat, and metal tools. Yet not long after they were built, the houses burned down and collapsed into the water, which preserved their contents. Perhaps it was arson by a jealous chiefdom or cattle rustlers—archaeologists may never identify the culprit, but they are learning much about daily life here in the British Isles 3000 years ago.

Infographic for Science magazine. In collaboration with Chris Bickel.