Double burial and warrior body discovered as archaeologists find 21 Saxon skeletons in Suffolk villag

A double burial and a “warrior burial” with a large spearhead and dagger were among 21 skeletons found at a Saxon site with a medieval field system, say archaeologists who uncovered the 7th century remains ahead of a property development in Suffolk.

The double burial© Archaeological Solutions

The bodies, whose bones were protected by the local geology, included a “bed burial” with iron nails and eyelets, suggesting a wooden structure or incomplete bed beneath the body.

“This burial also included a glass palm bowl, probably from the Rhineland, as well as beads, a cowry shell, a defaced Roman coin and further glass fragments,” says Andy Peachey, a Specialist in Prehistoric and Roman Pottery for Archaeological Solutions, the team employed by Persimmon Homes to examine the area of Exning.

“Grave goods were common, and also included a gold-plated, copper-alloy strap end and brooch, silver chain links and other beads or toggles, fine copper alloy cloak fastenings, iron knives, keys and latch lifters.

“The 20 Saxon burials exhibited a very high degree of bone preservation due to the local geology, and contained 21 skeletons, as one grave contained a double burial. 

"The settlement of Exning, probably situated downslope closer to the river, reputedly had Royal connections in the Kingdom of the East Angles, including to King Anna, indicating a relatively high status of the occupants. But nonetheless, the discovery of this cemetery was unexpected.”

A Bronze Age barrow and Roman threshing floor were discovered, although Peachey admits the burials have been the “focal point”.

“Provisional examination of the finds suggests the burials date to the Conversion Period of around AD 640 to 680,” he says.

“The finds have now been carefully packed and dispatched to a laboratory for conservation, while the skeletons are being cleaned and avenues explored for scientific analysis, including isotope analysis.”

fonte: @edisonmariotti #edisonmariotti http://www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/archaeology/art507087-double-burial-and-warrior-body-discovered-as-archaeologists-find-21-saxon-skeletons-in-suffolk-village