The British Museum Membercast
050 The story of Sutton Hoo
Feb 22, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Sue Brunning, Curator of early medieval Europe collections at the British Museum, dives into the fascinating excavation of Sutton Hoo. She reveals how this landmark discovery revolutionized our understanding of early Britain's past. Explore the complexities of the site's artifacts, from the iconic helmet to the rich interplay of early Christianity and pagan traditions. Sue also sheds light on overlooked artifacts, hinting at the continuing archaeological efforts that promise to unveil even more about this significant historical site.
32:41
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Quick takeaways
- The excavation of Sutton Hoo transformed our understanding of early medieval England, revealing rich cultural significance rather than a mere dark age.
- Artifacts from Sutton Hoo illustrate the transitional nature of its society, blending pre-Christian and emerging Christian themes in artistic expression.
Deep dives
The Significance of Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo is renowned for its archaeological discoveries, particularly a ship burial dating back to the early 7th century. The burial, initially excavated by Basil Brown, revealed the remains of a 27-meter ship that serves as a major artifact, though the wooden structure had rotted away. Only the imprint of the ship and iron rivets remained, allowing for a remarkable glimpse into early medieval burial practices. This find challenged previous perceptions of the period, proving it was not merely a dark age but one rich in cultural significance.
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