Archaeologists in rural Kent, England, have unearthed a “truly incredible” sixth-century sword in an Anglo-Saxon cemetery near Canterbury. Several other striking objects were discovered at the same location.
It is exceptionally well preserved; the silver gilt handle has exquisite decorative patterns and the blade is engraved with runes. Parts of the weapon’s leather and wooden scabbard and its beaver fur lining also survive. It had a ring attached to its pommel, which archaeologists believe may have symbolized an oath to the king.
The weapon’s condition is so impressive that it has been compared to the famous well-preserved Anglo-Saxon sword discovered in 1939 at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England.
The exact location of the recent discovery has not been revealed as further excavations are planned. So far, 12 tombs have been excavated and 200 more are believed to exist in the area, dating from the sixth to fifth centuries.
“We are keeping the name of the site secret. It was a very rich burial site. If it had been there before we excavated it,” said Duncan Sayer, chief archaeologist and professor of archeology at the University of Central Lancashire, It would be a real tragedy for everyone to know. ” guardian.
He said the sword was “really incredible, in the top echelon of swords, elite in every way, which is fantastic. It’s up there with swords from Dover and Sutton Hoo.”
A gold pendant engraved with a snake or dragon was also found next to the weapon. Archaeologists say such a pendant should have belonged to a woman of high status.
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These findings will be included in an upcoming British Broadcasting Corporation A six-part series called Digging for Britain. “I have never seen anything so well preserved,” Professor Alice Roberts, the academic who curated the exhibition, told the outlet. guardian. “I’ve never seen one so well preserved. It’s an extraordinary Anglo-Saxon cemetery, the graves are beautifully laid out, there are lots of weapon graves and you can find things like iron spear points and saxons in them , these are Anglo-Saxon knives – and this amazing sword.”
