Summary of the Sutton Hoo Burial

Unveiling the mysteries of an ancient Anglo-Saxon burial site.

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the Sutton Hoo Burial in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

Discover the ancient mystery of Sutton Hoo, an archaeological site in England that has fascinated historians and treasure hunters for centuries. This burial site, dating back to the 7th century, holds clues to the early Anglo-Saxon civilization and offers a glimpse into their customs and beliefs.

Excavated in the 1930s, Sutton Hoo revealed a wealth of treasures, including a ship burial, elaborate jewelry, weapons, and everyday items. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the social structure and artistic achievements of the early Anglo-Saxons, shedding light on a period of history that was previously shrouded in mystery.

Join us as we delve into the secrets of Sutton Hoo, exploring the significance of this remarkable archaeological find and the impact it has had on our understanding of the Anglo-Saxon era. From the stunning craftsmanship of the artifacts to the stories they tell about the people who lived during this time, Sutton Hoo continues to captivate and intrigue us to this day.

King Raedwald

King Raedwald

King Raedwald was a powerful ruler of the East Angles in the 7th century. He is believed to be the occupant of the elaborate ship burial at Sutton Hoo, which contained a wealth of treasures and artifacts.

Archaeologist Basil Brown

Archaeologist Basil Brown

Archaeologist Basil Brown played a key role in the discovery of the Sutton Hoo burial site in 1939. His excavation unearthed the fascinating artifacts that shed light on the Anglo-Saxon culture and burial practices of the time.

The Sutton Hoo Mound Builders

The Sutton Hoo Mound Builders

The builders of the Sutton Hoo burial mounds are unknown, but their craftsmanship and engineering skills are evident in the construction of the elaborate ship burial and surrounding mounds. Their work has fascinated archaeologists and historians for centuries.

The Sutton Hoo Treasure

The Sutton Hoo Treasure

The Sutton Hoo treasure is a collection of priceless artifacts found in the burial site, including jewelry, weaponry, and everyday objects. These items provide valuable insights into the wealth, status, and culture of the Anglo-Saxon people during the 7th century.

The Discovery of Sutton Hoo

The Discovery of Sutton Hoo

In 1939, a widow named Edith Pretty hired archaeologist Basil Brown to excavate the mounds on her property in Sutton Hoo, England. Brown uncovered a ship burial dating back to the 7th century, filled with stunning treasures.

The Ship Burial

The Ship Burial

The ship burial contained the remains of a high-ranking Anglo-Saxon individual, believed to be a king. The ship itself was 90 feet long and filled with an array of valuable artifacts, including weapons, armor, jewelry, and everyday items.

The Treasures

The Treasures

Among the treasures found in the ship burial were a ceremonial helmet, a gold belt buckle, silver dishes, and a lyre. These artifacts provided valuable insight into the culture and craftsmanship of the Anglo-Saxons during this time period.

The Royal Identity

The Royal Identity

Based on the wealth and grandeur of the burial, it is believed that the individual buried at Sutton Hoo was a member of the East Anglian royal family. The discovery shed light on the power and influence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in the 7th century.

The Symbolism of the Burial

The Symbolism of the Burial

The elaborate nature of the Sutton Hoo burial suggests a belief in an afterlife and the importance of honoring the deceased with valuable offerings. The burial was a reflection of the individual's status and importance in society.

The Impact of the Discovery

The Impact of the Discovery

The Sutton Hoo burial remains one of the most significant archaeological finds in British history, providing valuable information about the Anglo-Saxon period. The artifacts discovered at Sutton Hoo have greatly influenced our understanding of this time period.

The Excavation Process

The Excavation Process

Following the initial discovery, archaeologists continued to excavate the site at Sutton Hoo, uncovering additional graves and artifacts. The meticulous excavation process revealed more about the people buried at this ancient site.

The Legacy of Sutton Hoo

The Legacy of Sutton Hoo

The Sutton Hoo burial site has become a popular tourist destination and a symbol of England's rich history. The artifacts from Sutton Hoo are displayed in museums, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of the Anglo-Saxon culture.

The Ongoing Research

The Ongoing Research

Researchers continue to study the artifacts from Sutton Hoo, using modern technology to uncover more details about the burial and the individuals buried there. Ongoing research has deepened our understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period.

The Mystery of Sutton Hoo

The Mystery of Sutton Hoo

Despite years of research and excavation, there are still unanswered questions about the Sutton Hoo burial. The mystery surrounding the identity of the individual buried there continues to captivate historians and archaeologists alike.

The Sutton Hoo Burial site has provided valuable insights into the Anglo-Saxon culture of the 7th century, shedding light on their beliefs, customs, and craftsmanship. The treasures unearthed from the burial mounds have captivated historians and archaeologists for decades, offering a glimpse into the wealth and sophistication of this ancient society.Through ongoing research and analysis, we continue to learn more about the individuals buried at Sutton Hoo and the significance of their possessions. The legacy of Sutton Hoo lives on as a testament to the rich history and heritage of the Anglo-Saxon people, leaving us with a deeper understanding of their world and the mysteries that still await discovery.

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Lesson Details & Resources

In a Nutshell

  • What: A significant Anglo-Saxon ship burial site discovered in Suffolk, England.
  • When: 7th century AD.
  • Who: Unknown East Anglian royalty; Archaeologists and historians.
  • Outcome: Revealed insights into Anglo-Saxon culture, art, and burial practices.

Famous Figures in the the Sutton Hoo Burial

  • Raedwald of East Anglia

    Raedwald of East Anglia was a powerful ruler during the 7th century and is believed to be buried at Sutton Hoo.

  • Basil Brown

    Basil Brown was the archaeologist who discovered the Sutton Hoo burial site in 1939.

  • Edith Pretty

    Edith Pretty was the landowner of the Sutton Hoo estate and commissioned the excavation of the burial mounds.

  • Charles Phillips

    Charles Phillips was an archaeologist who played a crucial role in excavating and interpreting the Sutton Hoo site.

  • Rupert Bruce-Mitford

    Rupert Bruce-Mitford was an expert on Anglo-Saxon archaeology and published a comprehensive study on the Sutton Hoo discoveries.

  • Martin Carver

    Martin Carver led the excavations at Sutton Hoo in the 1980s and contributed significantly to our understanding of the site.

Timeline of the Sutton Hoo Burial

around 625 AD

King Raedwald's Burial

1939

Discovery of Sutton Hoo

1939-1940

Excavation of Mound 1

1939-1940

Excavation of Mound 2

1939-1940

Excavation of Mound 3

1946

Unveiling of Treasures at British Museum

1948

Publication of 'The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial'

1965-1971

Re-excavation of Mound 1

1965-1971

Re-excavation of Mound 2

1965-1971

Re-excavation of Mound 3

1970

Re-examination of the Helmet

2002

Opening of the Sutton Hoo Visitor Centre

2006

National Trust takes ownership of Sutton Hoo

2014

Redisplay of Sutton Hoo Treasures at British Museum

2019

New Exhibition Hall at Sutton Hoo

2021

Sutton Hoo featured in Netflix series 'The Dig'

Vocabulary List

Sutton Hoo
The name of the archaeological site in Suffolk, England where the burial was discovered.
Burial
Referring to the act of burying a deceased person with funeral rites.
7th century
The time period when the Sutton Hoo burial occurred, specifically around the years 600-699.
Archaeological site
A location where artifacts and remains from the past are excavated and studied.
Artifacts
Objects made or used by humans in the past, such as jewelry, weapons, and pottery.
Funeral rites
Traditional customs and ceremonies performed to honor and remember a deceased person.
Suffolk
A county in East Anglia, England where Sutton Hoo is situated.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

  • Sutton Hoo Burial is an archaeological site located in Suffolk, England.
  • The Sutton Hoo Burial is believed to be from the 7th century.
  • The burial site consists of several mounds, including the famous ship burial mound.

  • The ship burial mound at Sutton Hoo contained a 27-meter-long ship.
  • The burial at Sutton Hoo is considered one of the richest and most significant archaeological finds in Britain.
  • The Sutton Hoo Burial is associated with the Anglo-Saxon period.

  • The burial site was discovered in 1939 by archaeologist Basil Brown.
  • The Sutton Hoo Burial is believed to be the final resting place of an Anglo-Saxon king or noble.
  • The burial mound contained numerous treasures, including gold and silver artifacts.

  • The Sutton Hoo Burial provides important insights into the Anglo-Saxon culture and society.
  • The artifacts found at Sutton Hoo include a spectacular helmet adorned with animal motifs.
  • The burial also contained a ceremonial shield and a sword.

  • The Sutton Hoo Burial is believed to be associated with the East Anglian kingdom.
  • The treasures found at Sutton Hoo indicate extensive trade and connections with other regions.
  • The burial mound at Sutton Hoo was likely intended to be visible and serve as a marker of power and prestige.

  • The Sutton Hoo Burial is mentioned in the epic poem 'Beowulf'.
  • The archaeological excavation at Sutton Hoo revealed a fascinating burial chamber beneath the ship.
  • The burial chamber contained various personal items, including jewelry and drinking vessels.

  • The Sutton Hoo Burial has inspired numerous artistic and literary works.
  • The objects discovered at Sutton Hoo are now housed in the British Museum in London.

Analysis & Significance

Immediate Consequences

The discovery of the Sutton Hoo burial site in the 7th century sparked immediate interest and excitement among archaeologists and historians. It shed light on the sophisticated burial customs and social hierarchy of the Anglo-Saxon people, providing valuable insights into their culture and beliefs.

Long-Term Impact

The Sutton Hoo burial has had a lasting impact on our understanding of early medieval history. It has helped scholars piece together the puzzle of the Anglo-Saxon period, revealing intricate details about their society, trade networks, and artistic achievements. The artifacts found at Sutton Hoo have become iconic symbols of this era.

Cultural Significance Today

The legacy of Sutton Hoo continues to influence us today, serving as a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of the Anglo-Saxon people. The site remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its treasures and learn about this fascinating chapter in British history. Sutton Hoo also inspires ongoing research and scholarship, contributing to our knowledge of the past.

the Sutton Hoo Burial Games

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