KENT, England – The Sutton Hoo ship burial, renowned as one of the most opulent Anglo-Saxon graves of the late sixth and early seventh centuries, is a cornerstone of early medieval British history. The 2003 discovery of another lavishly furnished grave at Prittlewell, Southend (Essex), and its subsequent publication in 2019, has further illuminated this fascinating burial tradition. A striking feature of these graves is their inclusion of objects from the eastern Mediterranean—distinctive, current at the time of burial, and outside the scope of typical trading networks.
New research published in the The English Historical Review explores a provocative new theory: that these exotic items were brought back by men who served in the Byzantine army on the eastern front against the Sasanians in 575. This perspective challenges traditional explanations of wealth acquisition through Merovingian neighbors or trade, offering a groundbreaking view of early Anglo-Saxon connections to the wider world.
Recent excavations at an un-named site near Canterbury in Kent, in south east Britain, have uncovered a 1,500 year old Saxon sword, among other artifacts including a scabbard lined with beaver fur and a bracteate gold pendant inscribed with a serpent or dragon. This burial would obviously have been of a high status individual (male), and it remains to be seen what will be uncovered in the remaining graves: out of an estimated 200, 12 have been excavated so far. The earliest grave to date belongs to a 5th century woman. The graves have contained items from Scandinavia and the Frankish lands; these include weapons such as spears in the male graves, and knives in the female graves.
Figure 1.A map of so-called ‘princely’ burials (in red) and other aristocratic burials in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Based on Blackmore et al., Prittlewell, fig. 266. © MOLA
This graveyard dates from the time after the Roman legions had left Britain, in 410 AD, when Kent was a separate kingdom. Saxons were beginning to migrate here, and merge with the indigenous post-Roman British population. Runic script on the hilt of this latest sword suggests links with northern Germany, but, experts say, denotes the religion of the person who inscribed it rather than the sword’s owner (they were presumably pagan). Fly pupae on the sword, visible under a high intensity microscope, suggest that the body was left exposed for a while, possibly for people to pay their respects.
Lead archaeologist Professor Duncan Sayer of the University of Central Lancashire described a recent discovery as “incredible,” highlighting a sword from an Anglo-Saxon burial site as “an elite object in every way” that rivals renowned finds such as the swords from Dover and Sutton Hoo. Speaking to the press, Sayer emphasized the site’s significance, stating, “We’re keeping the name of the site under wraps. It’s a very rich cemetery. It would be a real tragedy if it became well known before we’ve excavated it.”
Presenter and archaeologist Professor Alice Roberts echoed the excitement, describing the cemetery as “extraordinary,” with “beautifully furnished graves” and numerous weapon burials, including iron spear-points, seaxes (Anglo-Saxon knives), and the exceptional sword. Roberts noted, “We have fairly sparse historical sources for this period, which used to be called the Dark Ages. These discoveries help fill those gaps in our understanding.”
Sutton Hoo helmet – Image credit: Joyofmuseums – CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71020963
The cemetery is poised to enhance knowledge of Anglo-Saxon migration patterns. DNA analysis of 300 individuals from a prior study revealed that 75% of Anglo-Saxon ancestry traces back to northern Germany. Sayer explained, “Before we published those results, there was still debate about whether significant migration occurred. Now it’s absolutely clear there was a substantial influx, especially along the east coast, over generations.”
This site adds to the narrative surrounding iconic burial locations like Sutton Hoo. Dr. Helen Gittos of the University of Oxford suggests that the individuals buried at Sutton Hoo and similar sites may have been soldiers who served in the Byzantine army. Goods from the Byzantine and Eastern Mediterranean regions, such as the spoons, flagons, and bowls found in the Sutton Hoo and Prittlewell burials, support this theory. Gittos posits that Roman Empire recruitment extended further north than previously believed, citing a Byzantine military manual that describes Britons as adept woodland fighters.
Gittos remarked, “That kind of adventuring can enable changes in status quite rapidly. In Beowulf, that’s what happens. He gains his status from being such a warrior.” In her analysis, Gittos highlights historical evidence, such as Emperor Maurice’s seventh-century military manual, which notes the recruitment of elite cavalry troops through generous gold payments. These troops were deployed across regions now encompassing Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Persia, areas linked to artifacts found in Anglo-Saxon burials.
The connection between the military elite and burial practices is evident in the graves, which often include horses or horse effigies. Gittos suggests these individuals were part of a cosmopolitan equestrian elite whose influence extended beyond local tribal leadership. She explained, “These kings and their aristocratic elites shared a ‘remarkably cosmopolitan … cultural idiom.’ They liked the same things, knew one another, and perhaps shared adventures as well as aesthetics.” This interpretation sheds new light on the social and political networks that shaped early medieval Britain.
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