The BBC has been given exclusive access to a vast array of treasures discovered by archaeologists during the construction of the HS2 train line, a project that has been marred by controversy.

A staggering 450,000 objects have been unearthed, including a potential Roman gladiator's tag, a hand axe estimated to be over 40,000 years old, and a set of 19th-century gold dentures, all of which are currently stored in a secure warehouse.

According to the Centre for British Archaeology, the sheer volume and diversity of these finds are unparalleled, offering a unique opportunity to shed new light on Britain's rich history.

As part of the planning process for major construction projects in the UK, archaeologists are required to assess the land to identify and protect heritage sites, a crucial step in preserving the country's cultural legacy.

Since 2018, approximately 1,000 archaeologists have been involved in excavations along the proposed HS2 route, which spans from London to Birmingham, uncovering a wealth of historical artifacts in the process.

Although the HS2 project has been delayed, with a projected completion date beyond 2033, archaeologists have largely finished their fieldwork, having made significant discoveries that will contribute to our understanding of the past.

The artifacts are being stored in a secret location in Yorkshire, where they are carefully organized on pallets and in boxes, awaiting further research and analysis, with approximately 7,300 boxes currently in storage.

The long-term fate of these objects, including whether they will be put on display or remain in storage, and issues of ownership, have yet to be determined.

Historic England has praised the team for unearthing "new and exciting sites that span over 10,000 years of our past," highlighting the significance of these discoveries.

The construction of HS2 has had a profound impact on the landscape, cutting through fields and communities, and sparking intense debate about its value and legitimacy.

Critics, including Greg Smith, MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, argue that the project's exorbitant costs, delays, and environmental damage make it a questionable investment, with some even suggesting that it is not worth pursuing.

Smith has stated that the project's enormous cost to taxpayers, coupled with its destructive impact, makes it a misguided endeavor, saying "it should not have cost the taxpayer tens of billions of pounds to build a railway that no-one wants and brings so much destruction."

In response, HS2 has acknowledged the project's shortcomings, with Chief Executive Mark Wild committing to addressing the issues of cost increases and delays that have plagued the project.

The HS2 team has emphasized its commitment to careful excavation and respect for the historical sites and artifacts uncovered during the project, highlighting the importance of preserving the country's cultural heritage.

Historian Graham Evans, chair of the Northamptonshire Battlefields Society, has noted that while opinions about HS2 may vary, the archaeological work being done is invaluable, saying "if they built the railway and they didn't do the archaeology, that would be more tragic."

The storage facility holds an impressive array of artifacts, including Roman statue heads and a gold 'three lions' pendant from the 13th-14th Century, each one offering a unique glimpse into the past.

A poignant reminder of the human stories behind these artifacts is the presence of a bubble-wrapped coffin from 1799, found on the ground in one area, alongside a smaller coffin wrapped in masking tape, serving as a sobering reminder of the lives once lived.

Some of the discovered objects have already been showcased to the public, providing a fascinating insight into the country's history and cultural heritage.

Six previously unseen artifacts have been selected for display, with their locations marked on the HS2 route map, allowing visitors to explore the history behind each object.

Experts believe that one of the hand axes discovered is over 40,000 years old, crafted by Neanderthals or an earlier human species, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors.

Found in the Edgcote area of Northamptonshire, this hand axe features a sharp edge, likely used for butchering animals, and is a remarkable example of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of early humans.

Hand axes were typically held in the palm, rather than attached to a wooden handle, and this particular example is a testament to the resourcefulness of our ancient ancestors.

Dr Sara Machin, the finds lead for the Access + consortium, has noted that holding the hand axe is a tactile experience, saying "even now it fits snugly in my hand," highlighting the enduring connection between past and present.

A small, intricately carved bone fragment bears an inscription, which, if complete, would read "DOMINE VICTOR VINCAS FELIX" or "Lord Victor, may you win and be lucky," offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who created it.

Discovered in Northamptonshire, this bone fragment may have belonged to a Roman gladiator or a spectator, although the lack of evidence of an arena or circus in the area has sparked debate about its origins.

The bone fragment was recovered from a large pottery vessel containing cremated human remains, with an X marked on the lid, adding to the mystery surrounding this artifact.

Dr John Pearce, Reader in Archaeology at King's College University, has suggested that while a link to a gladiator is possible, further forensic analysis of the burial may reveal a different story, highlighting the complexities of interpreting historical artifacts.

A decorated Anglo-Saxon spindle whorl, used for spinning yarn, was unearthed from farmland near Bishopstone, Buckinghamshire, and is a significant find, offering insights into textile production during this period.

According to Willow Major, a post-excavation assistant, the spindle whorl is a fascinating example of the craftsmanship and technological advancements of the Anglo-Saxon period, with its polished surface suggesting extensive use.

The ring and dot motif on the spindle whorl is reminiscent of earlier Iron Age designs, highlighting the continuity and evolution of artistic traditions over time.

A small, polished die was discovered in a deserted medieval village in Lower Radbourne, Warwickshire, and is notable for its unique numbering format, which differs from modern dice.

The die's imperfections, including one side being longer than the others, distinguish it from mass-produced dice, highlighting the craftsmanship and individuality of this artifact.

A complete figurine of a seated pug dog, crafted from plain white-glazed porcelain with black details, was found in a grave at St James' Gardens in Euston, and is believed to have been made at the Derby porcelain factory between 1770 and 1800.

This charming figurine offers a glimpse into the lives and interests of people in the past, highlighting the importance of everyday objects in understanding historical contexts.

A set of lower gold dentures, discovered at St Mary's Old Church in Stoke Mandeville, is a surprising find, with six teeth and a numbered stamp on the inside, sparking curiosity about the person who once wore them.

The dentures are a poignant reminder of the personal stories behind each artifact, with Dr Sara Machin noting that "these are objects, but they all relate to people," highlighting the human connection that underlies each discovery.

Machin has emphasized that the significance of these artifacts lies in their ability to tell us about the people who lived in these areas, spanning thousands of years, and the stories they can tell us about their lives.

Neil Redfern, from the Council for British Archaeology, has noted that the scale of the HS2 project is what makes it so extraordinary, with the sheer volume of artifacts and sites discovered offering a unique opportunity for research and analysis.

The length of the scheme and the diverse landscapes it passes through have resulted in a remarkable collection of sites and materials, with Redfern believing that the research potential of these findings is remarkable, and will help people understand wider landscape change now and in the past.

The discoveries made during the HS2 project have the potential to significantly contribute to our understanding of Britain's history and cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving and protecting our collective past.

Archaeologists have initiated the next stage of their investigation, which involves conducting thorough assessments, cleaning, and conserving the discovered items to uncover more about their stories.

Plans are underway to showcase the artefacts, including those from the Wendover Saxon cemetery, where 122 graves were excavated, in an upcoming exhibition at the Discover Bucks Museum, marking their first public display.

The long-term fate of certain items remains uncertain at this point.

According to HS2, under English property law, the ownership of archaeological and historical objects unearthed during the project will be either vested in the government or the landowners.

The HS2 spokesperson noted that in some cases, landowners may choose to retain ownership of the objects, in which case they will be returned to the landowners' custody.

Charlotte Self, the project's archive manager, is reaching out to landowners to consider donating the items, allowing communities along the route to access and appreciate them.

Self expressed her desire to see most of the items placed in local museums near their discovery sites, making them available for public viewing.

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