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Author: * Harald Egilsson -
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Date: Feb 5, 2004 - 09:08
Treasures of a Saxon King of Essex
A recent archaeological dig at Prittlewell in Essex has unearthed a seventh century royal grave. It is thought that the grave's occupant might be either Saebert or Sigeberht II of Essex, because of the fact that two gold foil crosses were found lying on the body. Saebert converted to Christianity in 604, although his sons reverted to paganism a little over a decade later on their father's death. Later, in 653, Northumbrian missionaries converted Sigeberht.
The grave goods are plentiful, including a sword, two Merovingian gold coins, a gold reliquary and four glass vessels, including these two beautiful blue glass jars:
A great discovery, ranking with anything found of this nature since the Sutton Hoo dig in 1939. There's currently a temporary exhibition at the Museum of London, which moves on for a short time to Southend Museum. A permanent home for these finds has not yet been decided.
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Seventh century grave discovered
Art, Archaeology, and Architecture
(3 threads, 38 posts)
Anglo-Saxon Archaeology
(22 posts)
Prittlewood Royal Grave - New Picture
