Gone Medieval Podcast Episode Summary: "Treasures from Anglo-Saxon Graves"

Released on February 7, 2025, "Gone Medieval" hosted by Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega delves into the fascinating world of early medieval grave goods. In this episode, titled "Treasures from Anglo-Saxon Graves," the hosts explore the significance of grave goods in understanding the lives, status, and cultural shifts of individuals buried during the Migration Period in Europe.

Introduction to Grave Goods

Matt Lewis opens the episode by introducing the concept of grave goods, essential artifacts found within burial sites that provide insights into the deceased's life and society. To shed light on this topic, Professor Joe Buckbury, head of the Biological Anthropology Research Center at the University of Bradford, joins the discussion.

Dr. Eleanor Jaenega explains that grave goods typically date from the 5th to the 7th centuries AD, a period marked by significant migrations across continental Europe. She notes, "Early medieval grave goods are predominantly found in the south and east of England, gradually spreading northwards and westwards." [05:05]

Categories of Grave Goods

The conversation categorizes grave goods into three main types:

1. Everyday Items: These include buckles, small knives, and lace tags, reflecting the daily lives of individuals.
2. Weapon Burials: Larger items like swords, spearheads, and shield bosses indicate a possible warrior status or symbolic representation of power.
3. Jewelry Burials: Brooches, beads, pendants, and bracelets are often found, particularly in female graves, signifying wealth and social status.

Dr. Jaenega elaborates, "Jewelry and weapons in graves seem to carry symbolic meanings about the roles those individuals held in society." [10:52]

Status and Symbolism

The presence of specific grave goods often correlates with the individual's status. However, Dr. Jaenega cautions against oversimplifying this relationship, stating, "We can't assume that those without grave goods are necessarily the most ordinary people; they might have held significant social importance in different ways." [13:20]

Gender Implications in Grave Goods

Early assumptions linked grave goods directly to biological sex, with weapons associated with males and jewelry with females. However, recent studies reveal a more complex picture:

• Females buried with weapons and Males with jewelry challenge previous stereotypes.
• Dr. Jaenega highlights, "It's likely that grave goods reflect more than just biological sex, possibly indicating social roles or symbolic statuses." [11:58]

Cultural Shifts and the Decline of Grave Goods

A significant transition occurs around the 7th century with the spread of Christianity. Dr. Jaenega suggests, "The decline in grave goods aligns with Christian burial practices, where bodies were buried without additional items, although there's no direct documentary evidence linking the Church to this change." [05:54]

She adds, "This shift might also be influenced by broader European connections and changing cultural fashions." [07:27]

Special Focus: The Discovery of a Stunning Sword

The episode spotlights a remarkable find from an early medieval grave in England—a beautifully preserved sword with intricate pattern welding, a technique similar to Damascus steel.

Professor Joe Buckbury describes the sword in detail:

• Approximately 80cm in length with an iron blade displaying a chevron pattern.
• Housed in a well-preserved scabbard lined with beaver fur, indicating elite status.
• Adorned with silver and gilt, making it a unique and highly decorative piece.

He notes, "This sword isn't just a weapon; it's a symbol of power and status, reflecting intricate connections with continental Europe." [49:45]

Symbolism and Identity Through Artifacts

The sword's placement within the grave is significant. Prof. Buckbury observes, "The sword is positioned near the individual's face and shoulders, integrating it into the visual representation of the person, much like a personal emblem." [54:36]

He further explains the presence of a bracteat—a precious metal pendant often associated with female burials, found alongside the sword. This juxtaposition hints at complex social and possibly marital relationships within the burial, as these items might symbolize allegiance or significant connections.

Genetic Insights and Migration Patterns

Advancements in ancient DNA analysis allow for deeper understanding of migration and integration:

• Prof. Buckbury shares, "In this cemetery, genetic data reveals a blend of continental Northern European and indigenous Western British DNA, indicating ongoing migrations and cultural integrations." [27:13]
• The discovery of individuals with non-local DNA but Anglo-Saxon grave goods suggests that grave goods were more symbolic than direct indicators of ancestry.

Burials of Children

Child burials are rare and often complex to interpret due to preservation biases and cultural practices:

• Younger children typically possess minimal grave goods, such as small pots or knives proportional to their age.
• Dr. Jaenega mentions, "There seems to be an age-related patterning, with older children receiving more items, potentially aligning with social milestones like puberty." [20:32]
• This suggests a cultural approach to marking significant life stages even in death.

Deviant and Execution Burials

The episode touches on deviant burials—individuals interred in unique manners, often without grave goods, indicating social ostracization or criminal status. However, Dr. Jaenega notes inconsiderate certainty in interpretations, "Some of these burials do contain artifacts, while others do not, complicating the narrative of societal exclusion." [26:12]

Connectivity and Trade Networks

Grave goods reveal extensive trade and cultural connections across Europe:

• Artifacts from northern Europe, Merovingian France, and possibly Scandinavia highlight robust international interactions.
• Prof. Buckbury emphasizes, "The presence of artifacts like wrist clasps and brooches with no parallels in the UK indicate influences from Scandinavia and beyond, reflecting the interconnectedness of early medieval Europe." [45:06]

Interpreting the Past Through Artifacts

While artifacts provide valuable insights, their exact meanings remain elusive due to the absence of contemporary records:

• Dr. Jaenega reflects, "The deliberate placement of artifacts within graves acts like a symbolic language that we can't fully decipher, emphasizing the personal and communal aspects of burial practices." [18:05]
• The episode underscores the balance between scientific analysis and interpretative challenges in archaeology.

Conclusion: The Human Element in Archaeology

The hosts conclude by acknowledging the profound human connections inferred from grave goods. Professor Buckbury expresses excitement about uncovering local stories intertwined with national histories, hoping that future excavations will reveal intricate details about familial relationships and societal changes.

Matt Lewis remarks, "It's fascinating how these ancient practices mirror our own in personalizing our final rituals, highlighting the enduring human desire to express identity and status."

Dr. Jaenega adds a personal touch, sharing her own reflection on burial choices, "It's the personal choices and the sentimental value attached to items that make archaeology deeply humanizing and endlessly intriguing."

This episode of "Gone Medieval" offers a comprehensive exploration of Anglo-Saxon grave goods, blending archaeological findings with genetic insights to paint a vivid picture of early medieval life, societal structures, and cultural transformations.