A SKELETON unearthed at Ronaldsway two years ago is the inspiration for a new exhibition which opens at the Manx Museum, Douglas, tomorrow (Saturday).

It was found during archaeological excavations and it bears the marks of a violent death.

He had died nearly 3,000 years ago during the Bronze Age and the exhibition at the Manx Museum looks at the evidence so far uncovered from the Island to paint a picture of his time – a time of technological advances, artistic expression and climate change.

It also offers the first opportunity to see the sole possession buried with the man.

Curator of Archaeology for Manx National Heritage Allison Fox said: "This exhibition gives us the chance to talk in more detail about one of the most interesting periods of Manx history.

"This is part of prehistory – the Vikings were two thousand years into the future – but the wealth of information we have about Manx society in around 1,000 BC is fantastic. 

"There'll be artefacts on show that haven't been displayed before, as well as replicas to show some of the bronze artefacts in their original glory.

"Also on display for the first time will be the only possession found with the skeleton unearthed at Ronaldsway."

The Bronze Age in the Isle of Man ran from around 2,000 BC to 600 BC. 

Houses, burial sites and artefact find spots from this era occur all over the Island.  This was the time that saw the first use of metal, the development of art and decoration and a change in ceremonies commemorating the dead.

The exhibition runs until May 2011.  Admission is free.