A History of the World in 100 Objects
Sutton Hoo helmet
Jun 8, 2010
Discover the fascinating excavation at Sutton Hoo, the mystery of the missing body, the significance of the Sutton Hoo helmet, and its tie to the epic poem Beowulf. Explore the power and international connections of the Sutton Hoo burial ship, redefining our understanding of the Dark Ages.
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Quick takeaways
- The Sutton Hoo ship burial and the discovery of the Sutton Hoo helmet revolutionized our understanding of the Dark Ages and provided evidence that the epic poem Beowulf reflected a lost pre-literate world.
- The Sutton Hoo ship burial challenges the traditional view of the Dark Ages as a period of cultural decline in Britain, revealing a time of sophistication, extensive international connections, and maritime trade that highlight Britain's place within the broader European story.
Deep dives
The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial and the Sutton Hoo Helmet
The Sutton Hoo ship burial in East Anglia, discovered in 1939, is one of the most significant archaeological finds in Britain. It revolutionized our understanding of the Dark Ages, the period following the collapse of Roman rule in Britain. The ship burial contained a wide range of valuable goods from across Europe, including weapons, armor, gold jewelry, and silver vessels. Notably, the discovery of the Sutton Hoo helmet, adorned with animal motifs and battle marks, provided evidence that the epic poem Beowulf was not purely fictional but accurately reflected a lost pre-literate world. The burial site, which connects England to the wider European story, demonstrates the sophistication and international contacts of the Anglo-Saxons.
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