Anglo-Saxon England
The Earliest East Anglians
Aug 2, 2023
Exploring the challenges of studying East Anglian history, the importance of archaeology in uncovering its secrets, the archaeological evidence of Rendlesham as a royal center, the migration and settlement of Germanic Anglians, and the practice of cremation in pagan societies.
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Quick takeaways
- Archaeology reveals little evidence of violent conquest during Anglian settlement in East Anglia, suggesting integration into existing communities with minimal disruption.
- The arrival of the Anglians and Saxons in East Anglia brought cultural changes, including cremation as a burial practice and the rise of military elites who became the region's kings.
Deep dives
Archaeology as a Window into East Anglian History
Archaeology provides valuable insights into East Anglian history, particularly during the early period of Germanic settlement. The village of Rendlesham in Suffolk, located near the famous Sutton Hoo ship burial, served as an important royal center for the East Angles. The archaeological record suggests that Anglian settlement in East Anglia began in the early fifth century, not long after the departure of the Roman legions. Unlike in some other regions, there is little evidence of violent conquest, as Anglian settlers often integrated into existing communities with minimal disruption. Burial practices also offer clues about cultural differences, with the Anglians and Saxons favoring cremation while the Romano-British practiced inhumation.
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