‘Astonishing’ Ancient Sword Discovery Stuns Archaeologists—’Top Echelons’

A sixth-century sword described as “astonishing” has been discovered at an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in rural England. Lead archaeologist Duncan Sayer of the University of Central Lancashire, told The Guardian that the sword, boasting a silver-and-gilt hilt and runic inscriptions, is considered among the “top echelons” of such artifacts. An image of a scanned 3D model of an Anglo Saxon sword. The remarkably preserved sixth-century sword which has been unearthed at a burial site in Kent. An image of a scanned 3D model of an Anglo Saxon sword. The remarkably preserved sixth-century sword which has been unearthed at a burial site in Kent. Dr. Ash Lenton at Australian National University Why It Matters Such well-preserved swords from this era are rare, the artifact rivaling those from the famous Sutton Hoo burial in Suffolk. The find provides an opportunity to learn more about Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship and culture, shedding light on a period with limited historical records. What To Know Sayer told Newsweek that the sword was an “elite object that marked its owner out as special.” He said the ring on the sword suggested it may be a “gift from a king or an important lord.” The sword was unearthed from a site near the beautiful medieval cathedral city of Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kent. The exact location remains a secret, to protect the excavation. The weapon is currently undergoing conservation and will be later displayed at the Folkestone Museum, nearby in southeastern England. Dr. Ash Lenton, an archaeologist at the Australian National University made a 3D scan of the sword and of the grave site which are available here: (site, sword). The cemetery contains approximately 200 graves, with 12 excavated so far, dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries. Other discoveries from the site include a gold pendant inscribed with a serpent or dragon, with further details set to feature in the upcoming series Digging for Britain, set to premiere on January 7 in the U.K on BBC Two. The show’s presenter, Professor Alice Roberts, told The Guardian that the sword was “astonishing.” “It’s an extraordinary Anglo-Saxon cemetery, with really beautifully furnished graves, a lot of weapon burials where you find things like iron spear-points and seaxes, which are Anglo-Saxon knives—and then there’s this astonishing sword.” She explained how important the discovery was to explaining this period of history, “We have fairly sparse historical sources when it comes to this period, which used to be called the Dark Ages. We don’t have much in the way of contemporary writing.” What People Are Saying Duncan Sayer, archaeologist and professor at the University of Central Lancashire, to Newsweek: “It’s been suggested that swords had their own distinct identity, and the ring on this one may suggest that it is a gift form a king or important lord. The sword is still in conservation and so we have not yet seen the complete runes. They don’t often say anything that we can understand, but they would have been meaningful to the people who used and saw the sword and understood its story. Prof. Alice Roberts, presenter of Digging for Britain, to The Guardian: “I’ve never seen one that’s so beautifully preserved.” What Happens Next The sword and other finds will undergo conservation before being displayed at the Folkestone Museum. Further excavations are planned at the cemetery to uncover more artifacts and insights into Anglo-Saxon life.