Sixth-Century Sword Unearthed in Anglo-Saxon Cemetery near Canterbury, England

A spectacular sixth-century sword has been unearthed in an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in southeast England, and archaeologists say it is in an exceptional state of preservation and is similar to the sword found at Sutton Hoo, an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Suffolk.

The find was made in a rural area close to Canterbury, but the exact location is being kept a secret by experts because they have discovered so many valuable artifacts.

Really incredible' sixth-century sword found in Kent | Archaeology | The  Guardian

The sword bears a silver-and-gilt hilt and runic inscriptions along the blade. According to archaeologists, the prominent feature on the sword is a ring attached to its pommel, indicating an oath to a king or person of high status.

Traces of the leather and wood scabbard lined with beaver fur were also recovered. The grave also contained a gold pendant inscribed with a serpent or a dragon.

“It’s really incredible, in the top echelons of swords, an elite object in every way, which is wonderful. It rivals the swords from Dover and from Sutton Hoo,” stated Duncan Sayer, the lead archaeologist and Professor of Archaeology at the University of Central Lancashire in an interview with The Guardian.

Some 12 burial patches in the early medieval cemetery site have so far been explored with up to 200 more still waiting to be examined.

Aerial image of the Anglo-Saxon graveyard under excavation, to be revealed on Digging for Britain in January.

The gold pendants with a snake or dragon have been worn by high-status women or thought to have been treasured keepsake from a female relative or ancestor

The differences between the findings in the graves of men and women are even more fascinating. Swords, spears, and shields were discovered inside the men’s graves. Knives, buckles, brooches, and other artifacts were discovered in the women’s graves.

Scandinavian and Frankish origin artifacts were found in other graves at the Anglo-Saxon cemetery; the Scandinavian items belonged to a woman who lived in the late fifth century.

The 6th-Century Anglo-Saxon Sword Unearthed Near Canterbury - Stay  Up-to-Date on the Latest Art News with Gothamartnews.com

Historian and TV presenter Professor Alice Roberts will reveal more details about the discoveries in an upcoming BBC show – the six-part Digging for Britain – which starts in early January.

Professor Alice Roberts, stated: “I’ve never seen one that’s so beautifully preserved. It’s an extraordinary Anglo-Saxon cemetery, with really beautifully furnished graves, a lot of weapon burials where you find things like iron spear points and seaxes, which are Anglo-Saxon knives – and then there’s this astonishing sword.”

The items found will undergo a thorough examination before going on display at Folkestone Museum.

Related Posts

Uncovering the Mysteries of Atherosclerosis: Ancient Mummies Challenge Our Understanding

Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits and plaque in the arteries, is a leading cause of death in the modern world. While often ᴀssociated with sedentary lifestyles…

From Sandstorms to Skeletons: A 4,000-Year-Old Tomb Discovery in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings

In the vast and unforgiving expanse of Egypt’s desert, a team of intrepid archaeologists has made a remarkable discovery that has captivated the world. Nestled within the…

The Etruscan Sarcophagi of Vulci: An Ancient Story in Stone

The Etruscan sarcophagi of Vulci, dating from the late 4th to early 3rd century BC, stand as remarkable examples of the artistic and cultural sophistication of ancient…

Unearthing the Sacred Rituals: The Mummies of Llullaillaco and the Inca’s Religious Practices

In the high-alтιтude Andes of Argentina, a remarkable archaeological discovery was made in 1999 that would forever change our understanding of the Inca Empire’s religious and cultural…

The Legacy of King Seti I: A Study of Ancient Egyptian Mummification

Introduction King Seti I, one of the most esteemed rulers of ancient Egypt, is renowned for his remarkable legacy, particularly embodied in his exceptionally well-preserved mummy. Reigning…

Hatshepsut: Uncovering the Mysteries of Egypt’s Forgotten Female Pharaoh

In the annals of ancient Egyptian history, few figures have captured the imagination of scholars and the public alike as much as Hatshepsut, the renowned female pharaoh…