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

The Windeby I Girl – The Tragic Story of a Roman-era Teenager

Discovery Location: Windeby Bog, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, 1952 In 1952, a significant archaeological discovery was made at Windeby Bog in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Researchers uncovered the remains of a…

The Gold Head of Zeus-Ammon: A Symbol of Divine Power and Cultural Fusion

Introduction The Gold Head of Zeus-Ammon is a remarkable artifact that embodies the fusion of Greek and Egyptian religious traditions. This masterpiece represents Zeus-Ammon, a syncretic deity…

Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury: Architect of Wells Cathedral’s Spiritual and Architectural Legacy

A Testament in Alabaster Nestled within the North Choir Aisle of Wells Cathedral, Somerset, stands a striking relic of medieval history—the alabaster effigy of Bishop Ralph of…

The “Alien Mummies” of Peru: A Disturbing Case of Archaeological Fraud

The Mystery: Alien Mummies in Nazca In recent years, several alien-looking mummies discovered in the Nazca region of Peru have made headlines worldwide. With elongated skulls, strange…

The Amesbury Archer: The “King of Stonehenge” and His Extraordinary Legacy

The discovery of the Amesbury Archer’s tomb near Stonehenge in 2002 is one of the most significant archaeological finds in Europe. Dating back over 4,000 years, this…

Prague’s Astronomical Clock: A Timeless Masterpiece of Art and Engineering

A Medieval Wonder in Old Town For more than six centuries, Prague’s Astronomical Clock has stood as a beacon of human ingenuity and artistic mastery. Towering over…