# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:19,333 00:00:21,609 We might be a small island, We might be a small island,
2 00:00:21,633 00:00:24,243 but we've got a big history. but we've got a big history.
3 00:00:24,267 00:00:25,443 Everywhere you stand, Everywhere you stand,
4 00:00:25,467 00:00:28,009 there are worlds beneath your feet. there are worlds beneath your feet.
5 00:00:28,033 00:00:29,409 And so every year, And so every year,
6 00:00:29,433 00:00:32,209 hundreds of archaeologists across Britain hundreds of archaeologists across Britain
7 00:00:32,233 00:00:34,209 go looking for more clues. go looking for more clues.
8 00:00:34,233 00:00:37,509 Who lived here, when, and how? Who lived here, when, and how?
9 00:00:37,533 00:00:39,843 You can even see the architecture of the bone You can even see the architecture of the bone
10 00:00:39,867 00:00:41,209 inside the jaw there. inside the jaw there.
11 00:00:41,233 00:00:45,276 Archaeology is a complex jigsaw puzzle Archaeology is a complex jigsaw puzzle
12 00:00:45,300 00:00:49,176 drawing together everything from skeletons to swords, drawing together everything from skeletons to swords,
13 00:00:49,200 00:00:51,376 temples to treasure. temples to treasure.
14 00:00:51,400 00:00:53,730 She's got a very cartoonlike face, hasn't she? She's got a very cartoonlike face, hasn't she?
15 00:00:55,467 00:00:59,376 From Orkney to Devon, were joining this year's quest From Orkney to Devon, were joining this year's quest
16 00:00:59,400 00:01:03,076 on sea, land, and air. on sea, land, and air.
17 00:01:03,100 00:01:04,676 We'll share all of the questions We'll share all of the questions
18 00:01:04,700 00:01:07,509 and find some of the answers and find some of the answers
19 00:01:07,533 00:01:10,409 as we join the teams in the field as we join the teams in the field
20 00:01:10,433 00:01:12,273 digging for Britain. digging for Britain.
21 00:01:19,233 00:01:23,776 The Anglo-Saxons invaded and divided our island The Anglo-Saxons invaded and divided our island
22 00:01:23,800 00:01:26,500 and ushered in the Dark Ages. and ushered in the Dark Ages.
23 00:01:27,600 00:01:31,209 This year, archaeology is offering fresh clues This year, archaeology is offering fresh clues
24 00:01:31,233 00:01:33,143 about the people who gave us England, about the people who gave us England,
25 00:01:33,167 00:01:35,427 the land of the Angles... the land of the Angles...
26 00:01:36,967 00:01:41,427 ...their warrior culture of swords and ornate burials... ...their warrior culture of swords and ornate burials...
27 00:01:42,600 00:01:44,676 ...the physical evidence of violence ...the physical evidence of violence
28 00:01:44,700 00:01:46,643 in a time of blood feuds... in a time of blood feuds...
29 00:01:46,667 00:01:50,076 And this is sliced down the entire left side of his body. And this is sliced down the entire left side of his body.
30 00:01:50,100 00:01:53,376 ...and the mystery of the magnificent ring ...and the mystery of the magnificent ring
31 00:01:53,400 00:01:56,209 once worn by a wealthy Anglo-Saxon once worn by a wealthy Anglo-Saxon
32 00:01:56,233 00:01:58,933 and never seen publicly, until now. and never seen publicly, until now.
33 00:02:06,467 00:02:11,609 For almost 400 years, Britannia was a part of the Roman Empire, For almost 400 years, Britannia was a part of the Roman Empire,
34 00:02:11,633 00:02:13,809 controlled by Rome's legions controlled by Rome's legions
35 00:02:13,833 00:02:16,409 and strategically positioned forts. and strategically positioned forts.
36 00:02:16,433 00:02:20,209 But by 410 AD, the troops had withdrawn, But by 410 AD, the troops had withdrawn,
37 00:02:20,233 00:02:22,243 and raiders began to plunder and raiders began to plunder
38 00:02:22,267 00:02:24,597 the wealthy and defenseless land. the wealthy and defenseless land.
39 00:02:26,667 00:02:29,343 In the dying years of the Roman Empire, In the dying years of the Roman Empire,
40 00:02:29,367 00:02:33,043 the emperor Honorius received pleas from the British people. the emperor Honorius received pleas from the British people.
41 00:02:33,067 00:02:35,909 But with barbarians to deal with on the home front But with barbarians to deal with on the home front
42 00:02:35,933 00:02:38,176 and the empire on the brink of collapse, and the empire on the brink of collapse,
43 00:02:38,200 00:02:40,943 he couldn't afford to send reinforcements. he couldn't afford to send reinforcements.
44 00:02:40,967 00:02:44,597 The people of Britain would have to look to their own defense The people of Britain would have to look to their own defense
45 00:02:46,667 00:02:50,109 The island ceased to be part of a coherent empire, The island ceased to be part of a coherent empire,
46 00:02:50,133 00:02:53,543 and the legacies of Rome were left to crumble. and the legacies of Rome were left to crumble.
47 00:02:53,567 00:02:56,943 Crucially, written records all but disappeared, Crucially, written records all but disappeared,
48 00:02:56,967 00:03:00,597 ushering in the so-called Dark Ages. ushering in the so-called Dark Ages.
49 00:03:02,633 00:03:05,043 Britain was left wide open Britain was left wide open
50 00:03:05,067 00:03:07,909 to bands of invaders from the continent. to bands of invaders from the continent.
51 00:03:07,933 00:03:11,743 They included powerful tribes from France, Germany, They included powerful tribes from France, Germany,
52 00:03:11,767 00:03:15,376 and Scandinavia who we've come to know collectively and Scandinavia who we've come to know collectively
53 00:03:15,400 00:03:17,476 as the Anglo-Saxons. as the Anglo-Saxons.
54 00:03:17,500 00:03:21,376 And it wasn't long before they started to feel comfortable And it wasn't long before they started to feel comfortable
55 00:03:21,400 00:03:22,870 in their new home. in their new home.
56 00:03:29,300 00:03:31,143 The departure of the Romans The departure of the Romans
57 00:03:31,167 00:03:34,343 and the arrival of the first Germanic settlers and the arrival of the first Germanic settlers
58 00:03:34,367 00:03:36,309 is a shady period is a shady period
59 00:03:36,333 00:03:40,073 recorded by just a sparse collection of texts. recorded by just a sparse collection of texts.
60 00:03:41,100 00:03:42,676 And even the archaeology And even the archaeology
61 00:03:42,700 00:03:45,243 that connects us to the people who lived through this period that connects us to the people who lived through this period
62 00:03:45,267 00:03:46,867 is scarce. is scarce.
63 00:03:48,400 00:03:50,276 Dorchester-on-Thames has thrown up Dorchester-on-Thames has thrown up
64 00:03:50,300 00:03:52,930 some of the most important finds. some of the most important finds.
65 00:03:54,667 00:03:57,143 And a new dig is hoping to add And a new dig is hoping to add
66 00:03:57,167 00:04:00,043 to the best evidence we have for this transition, to the best evidence we have for this transition,
67 00:04:00,067 00:04:01,809 a handful of artifacts a handful of artifacts
68 00:04:01,833 00:04:04,509 that emerged from the fields around Dorchester that emerged from the fields around Dorchester
69 00:04:04,533 00:04:06,503 over a hundred years ago. over a hundred years ago.
70 00:04:08,067 00:04:12,067 They're stored here at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. They're stored here at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
71 00:04:13,500 00:04:16,909 The objects I'm about to see were found in the 19th century, The objects I'm about to see were found in the 19th century,
72 00:04:16,933 00:04:18,743 but the fact that they are perhaps but the fact that they are perhaps
73 00:04:18,767 00:04:21,143 the best archaeological evidence we have the best archaeological evidence we have
74 00:04:21,167 00:04:23,343 of the earliest Anglo-Saxons in Britain of the earliest Anglo-Saxons in Britain
75 00:04:23,367 00:04:26,043 gives us an idea of just how rare gives us an idea of just how rare
76 00:04:26,067 00:04:30,297 those physical traces of the early post-Roman period are. those physical traces of the early post-Roman period are.
77 00:04:31,567 00:04:34,443 These artifacts came out of the graves These artifacts came out of the graves
78 00:04:34,467 00:04:37,327 of three people buried in the 5th century. of three people buried in the 5th century.
79 00:04:38,133 00:04:41,243 One is a burial which seems to be Roman One is a burial which seems to be Roman
80 00:04:41,267 00:04:43,527 until you look more closely. until you look more closely.
81 00:04:44,800 00:04:48,643 He was buried wearing a late-Roman belt He was buried wearing a late-Roman belt
82 00:04:48,667 00:04:49,743 known as a cingulum. known as a cingulum.
83 00:04:49,767 00:04:52,409 It's really a badge of rank, of status, It's really a badge of rank, of status,
84 00:04:52,433 00:04:56,576 and this would have been made in Gaul in an imperial workshop, and this would have been made in Gaul in an imperial workshop,
85 00:04:56,600 00:04:58,609 but the chap wearing it, of course, but the chap wearing it, of course,
86 00:04:58,633 00:05:00,843 we know lived and died in Britain. we know lived and died in Britain.
87 00:05:00,867 00:05:02,376 Now, you might just think, Now, you might just think,
88 00:05:02,400 00:05:04,776 "Well, why couldn't he just have been a Roman soldier?" "Well, why couldn't he just have been a Roman soldier?"
89 00:05:04,800 00:05:10,143 This is certainly a badge of high rank in the Roman military. This is certainly a badge of high rank in the Roman military.
90 00:05:10,167 00:05:13,309 But it would be very unusual for a Roman soldier But it would be very unusual for a Roman soldier
91 00:05:13,333 00:05:16,043 to be buried with his cingulum, with his belt. to be buried with his cingulum, with his belt.
92 00:05:16,067 00:05:19,643 That's quite a Germanic style of burying your dead. That's quite a Germanic style of burying your dead.
93 00:05:19,667 00:05:21,343 So he's got Roman objects, So he's got Roman objects,
94 00:05:21,367 00:05:24,043 but he's buried in an un-Roman way with grave goods. but he's buried in an un-Roman way with grave goods.
95 00:05:24,067 00:05:25,543 Absolutely. Absolutely.
96 00:05:25,567 00:05:29,076 Next to him, a woman's grave contained further evidence Next to him, a woman's grave contained further evidence
97 00:05:29,100 00:05:32,309 of this mixing of Roman and Saxon identities... of this mixing of Roman and Saxon identities...
98 00:05:32,333 00:05:37,043 a Roman belt buckle alongside two early Saxon broaches. a Roman belt buckle alongside two early Saxon broaches.
99 00:05:37,067 00:05:39,809 This is a so-called little cruciform broach, This is a so-called little cruciform broach,
100 00:05:39,833 00:05:42,576 and the other is the back plate and the other is the back plate
101 00:05:42,600 00:05:44,243 of what's called an applied broach, of what's called an applied broach,
102 00:05:44,267 00:05:48,909 and that proves that she was not only wearing dress items and that proves that she was not only wearing dress items
103 00:05:48,933 00:05:51,443 from the Germanic parts of the world, from the Germanic parts of the world,
104 00:05:51,467 00:05:53,043 but that she was wearing a costume but that she was wearing a costume
105 00:05:53,067 00:05:54,043 which was really Germanic. which was really Germanic.
106 00:05:54,067 00:05:56,843 So she's got a mixture of both Roman So she's got a mixture of both Roman
107 00:05:56,867 00:05:59,476 and Germanic style about her. and Germanic style about her.
108 00:05:59,500 00:06:02,443 Absolutely, and the fact that she was buried next to Absolutely, and the fact that she was buried next to
109 00:06:02,467 00:06:05,043 or near to this chap or near to this chap
110 00:06:05,067 00:06:07,509 and that he was buried in a rather Germanic way, and that he was buried in a rather Germanic way,
111 00:06:07,533 00:06:11,743 albeit with Roman items, suggests very strongly albeit with Roman items, suggests very strongly
112 00:06:11,767 00:06:14,509 that these two were Germanic speakers that these two were Germanic speakers
113 00:06:14,533 00:06:16,143 from the other side of the North Sea. from the other side of the North Sea.
114 00:06:16,167 00:06:18,676 Another grave added confirmation Another grave added confirmation
115 00:06:18,700 00:06:20,043 that these people were keen that these people were keen
116 00:06:20,067 00:06:24,367 to signify themselves as both Roman and Saxon. to signify themselves as both Roman and Saxon.
117 00:06:24,967 00:06:27,043 The question of what was happening to identities The question of what was happening to identities
118 00:06:27,067 00:06:30,143 and how these were being reinvented and reformulated and how these were being reinvented and reformulated
119 00:06:30,167 00:06:31,543 to meet these rapidly changing to meet these rapidly changing
120 00:06:31,567 00:06:33,443 and rather traumatic circumstances and rather traumatic circumstances
121 00:06:33,467 00:06:34,876 is extremely interesting. is extremely interesting.
122 00:06:34,900 00:06:36,709 It's incredibly difficult and rare It's incredibly difficult and rare
123 00:06:36,733 00:06:39,076 to find objects that can be firmly to find objects that can be firmly
124 00:06:39,100 00:06:42,243 and definitively dated to the first half of the 5th century. and definitively dated to the first half of the 5th century.
125 00:06:42,267 00:06:45,909 I mean, whether Roman or Saxon, they're both rare, I mean, whether Roman or Saxon, they're both rare,
126 00:06:45,933 00:06:48,676 and these burials are some of the best evidence and these burials are some of the best evidence
127 00:06:48,700 00:06:51,900 for how people were negotiating this very tricky period. for how people were negotiating this very tricky period.
128 00:06:56,067 00:06:58,076 Connecting with the Dark Ages, Connecting with the Dark Ages,
129 00:06:58,100 00:07:02,230 even through archaeology, is a real challenge. even through archaeology, is a real challenge.
130 00:07:03,167 00:07:06,909 The artifacts from those graves scattered around Dorchester The artifacts from those graves scattered around Dorchester
131 00:07:06,933 00:07:08,109 are fascinating. are fascinating.
132 00:07:08,133 00:07:09,276 They date to this time They date to this time
133 00:07:09,300 00:07:12,743 of incredibly dramatic change in Britain. of incredibly dramatic change in Britain.
134 00:07:12,767 00:07:15,043 But they are just a handful of objects But they are just a handful of objects
135 00:07:15,067 00:07:17,376 from a very small number of graves. from a very small number of graves.
136 00:07:17,400 00:07:19,109 We're not looking at a whole cemetery, We're not looking at a whole cemetery,
137 00:07:19,133 00:07:21,709 let alone a settlement, so we are just glimpsing let alone a settlement, so we are just glimpsing
138 00:07:21,733 00:07:25,933 a very tiny part of the whole story. a very tiny part of the whole story.
139 00:07:28,067 00:07:29,376 At this year's dig At this year's dig
140 00:07:29,400 00:07:32,109 amongst the garden allotments of Dorchester, amongst the garden allotments of Dorchester,
141 00:07:32,133 00:07:34,309 archaeologists are hoping to add substance archaeologists are hoping to add substance
142 00:07:34,333 00:07:38,073 to our hazy picture of this time of upheaval. to our hazy picture of this time of upheaval.
143 00:07:40,800 00:07:43,076 They're not just looking for artifacts, They're not just looking for artifacts,
144 00:07:43,100 00:07:45,776 but for structures and features, too, but for structures and features, too,
145 00:07:45,800 00:07:49,176 and in situ in their original context, and in situ in their original context,
146 00:07:49,200 00:07:53,500 clues to make sense of two overlapping ways of life. clues to make sense of two overlapping ways of life.
147 00:08:00,800 00:08:03,343 We tend to think of multicultural Britain We tend to think of multicultural Britain
148 00:08:03,367 00:08:05,543 being a modern phenomenon, being a modern phenomenon,
149 00:08:05,567 00:08:07,076 but as we look back through history, but as we look back through history,
150 00:08:07,100 00:08:09,043 we see a nation transformed we see a nation transformed
151 00:08:09,067 00:08:13,176 by successive waves of people and ideas. by successive waves of people and ideas.
152 00:08:13,200 00:08:16,476 And we neatly compartmentalize those cultures, And we neatly compartmentalize those cultures,
153 00:08:16,500 00:08:20,076 but just how abrupt were the transitions? but just how abrupt were the transitions?
154 00:08:20,100 00:08:23,409 Roman Britain didn't become Anglo-Saxon overnight. Roman Britain didn't become Anglo-Saxon overnight.
155 00:08:23,433 00:08:26,409 It must've been more of a gradual process, It must've been more of a gradual process,
156 00:08:26,433 00:08:28,843 a blending of two cultures. a blending of two cultures.
157 00:08:28,867 00:08:32,876 And archaeology allows us to examine the lives of people And archaeology allows us to examine the lives of people
158 00:08:32,900 00:08:35,600 living through that transition. living through that transition.
159 00:08:44,067 00:08:46,909 You've probably heard of the Venerable Bede. You've probably heard of the Venerable Bede.
160 00:08:46,933 00:08:49,343 He was an 8th-century Northumbrian monk He was an 8th-century Northumbrian monk
161 00:08:49,367 00:08:51,943 and the most famous chronicler of his age. and the most famous chronicler of his age.
162 00:08:51,967 00:08:54,576 His ecclesiastical history of the English people His ecclesiastical history of the English people
163 00:08:54,600 00:08:58,409 is still our best source for the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, is still our best source for the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons,
164 00:08:58,433 00:09:01,843 but we do have to treat what he writes with a little caution. but we do have to treat what he writes with a little caution.
165 00:09:01,867 00:09:05,476 He wasn't out to write an unbiased account, He wasn't out to write an unbiased account,
166 00:09:05,500 00:09:09,370 and it's strongly motivated by his Christian faith. and it's strongly motivated by his Christian faith.
167 00:09:12,467 00:09:14,576 Bede tells us that Northumbria Bede tells us that Northumbria
168 00:09:14,600 00:09:17,600 was conquered and settled by the Angles. was conquered and settled by the Angles.
169 00:09:20,500 00:09:22,609 The commanding site of Bamburgh The commanding site of Bamburgh
170 00:09:22,633 00:09:26,373 became the power base of this emerging tribal kingdom. became the power base of this emerging tribal kingdom.
171 00:09:28,700 00:09:30,243 The castle we see today The castle we see today
172 00:09:30,267 00:09:32,576 was largely rebuilt in the 20th century, was largely rebuilt in the 20th century,
173 00:09:32,600 00:09:34,209 but we know from archaeology but we know from archaeology
174 00:09:34,233 00:09:37,343 that the site has been occupied for 5,000 years, that the site has been occupied for 5,000 years,
175 00:09:37,367 00:09:39,876 going right back into the Neolithic. going right back into the Neolithic.
176 00:09:39,900 00:09:42,176 The castle sits on this massive rock, The castle sits on this massive rock,
177 00:09:42,200 00:09:44,609 which is the strongest natural fortress which is the strongest natural fortress
178 00:09:44,633 00:09:46,709 on the coast of northeast England. on the coast of northeast England.
179 00:09:46,733 00:09:50,543 And with commanding views over land and sea, And with commanding views over land and sea,
180 00:09:50,567 00:09:54,827 Bamburgh would become the seat of the Northumbrian kings. Bamburgh would become the seat of the Northumbrian kings.
181 00:09:56,533 00:09:59,176 But even at a royal site like Bamburgh, But even at a royal site like Bamburgh,
182 00:09:59,200 00:10:01,876 we have to work hard to decipher the clues we have to work hard to decipher the clues
183 00:10:01,900 00:10:05,470 left behind by the Anglo-Saxon people who lived here. left behind by the Anglo-Saxon people who lived here.
184 00:10:09,033 00:10:10,776 So what have we got over here, then, Graeme? So what have we got over here, then, Graeme?
185 00:10:10,800 00:10:12,776 Well, I mean, that's the one fortunate thing, Well, I mean, that's the one fortunate thing,
186 00:10:12,800 00:10:15,309 that it's now exposed again so we can have a look at it. that it's now exposed again so we can have a look at it.
187 00:10:15,333 00:10:17,609 Director of Archaeology Graeme Young Director of Archaeology Graeme Young
188 00:10:17,633 00:10:21,033 outlined where a Saxon timber hall would once have stood. outlined where a Saxon timber hall would once have stood.
189 00:10:21,933 00:10:23,443 The people who lived here The people who lived here
190 00:10:23,467 00:10:25,176 constructed their buildings out of wood, constructed their buildings out of wood,
191 00:10:25,200 00:10:27,109 which has long since disappeared, which has long since disappeared,
192 00:10:27,133 00:10:31,003 leaving just an impression of the early fortress. leaving just an impression of the early fortress.
193 00:10:32,067 00:10:34,509 So this really is negative archaeology, isn't it? So this really is negative archaeology, isn't it?
194 00:10:34,533 00:10:36,276 You've just got the holes left You've just got the holes left
195 00:10:36,300 00:10:39,709 where the timbers of this wooden building have just rotted. where the timbers of this wooden building have just rotted.
196 00:10:39,733 00:10:41,643 Yes, we've got enough evidence Yes, we've got enough evidence
197 00:10:41,667 00:10:44,076 that we can reconstruct broadly what's above ground. that we can reconstruct broadly what's above ground.
198 00:10:44,100 00:10:46,209 And we're standing right inside it And we're standing right inside it
199 00:10:46,233 00:10:48,976 and right on the edge of the rock here, and right on the edge of the rock here,
200 00:10:49,000 00:10:50,876 so what would this building have been? so what would this building have been?
201 00:10:50,900 00:10:52,943 Well, we think it's to do with the gate, Well, we think it's to do with the gate,
202 00:10:52,967 00:10:56,143 because the Anglo-Saxon entrance to Bamburgh's just behind us. because the Anglo-Saxon entrance to Bamburgh's just behind us.
203 00:10:56,167 00:10:57,409 It's this cleft here. It's this cleft here.
204 00:10:57,433 00:11:00,309 There's a marvelous little text from AD 774, There's a marvelous little text from AD 774,
205 00:11:00,333 00:11:01,576 and it describes this... and it describes this...
206 00:11:01,600 00:11:03,609 these steps coming up through a cleft these steps coming up through a cleft
207 00:11:03,633 00:11:05,376 in a marvelous fashion, as the author says. in a marvelous fashion, as the author says.
208 00:11:05,400 00:11:06,643 And that must be it. And that must be it.
209 00:11:06,667 00:11:09,043 There's nothing else at Bamburgh that fits the bill. There's nothing else at Bamburgh that fits the bill.
210 00:11:09,067 00:11:12,843 So we're standing in the middle Anglo-Saxon gatehouse So we're standing in the middle Anglo-Saxon gatehouse
211 00:11:12,867 00:11:14,043 to Bamburgh Castle? to Bamburgh Castle?
212 00:11:14,067 00:11:16,067 Yeah, I think that's pretty much it. Yeah, I think that's pretty much it.
213 00:11:16,967 00:11:19,843 We know that generations of Anglo-Saxons We know that generations of Anglo-Saxons
214 00:11:19,867 00:11:23,543 lived and worked at Bamburgh over a prolonged period lived and worked at Bamburgh over a prolonged period
215 00:11:23,567 00:11:25,776 stretching hundreds of years. stretching hundreds of years.
216 00:11:25,800 00:11:27,343 And yet even here, And yet even here,
217 00:11:27,367 00:11:31,943 the footprints of the people are faint and hard to trace. the footprints of the people are faint and hard to trace.
218 00:11:31,967 00:11:35,343 Much of what we do know comes from sources like Bede. Much of what we do know comes from sources like Bede.
219 00:11:35,367 00:11:39,143 But what they tend to focus on is the high-status individuals, But what they tend to focus on is the high-status individuals,
220 00:11:39,167 00:11:41,409 the kings and queens. the kings and queens.
221 00:11:41,433 00:11:43,043 But there are people who made But there are people who made
222 00:11:43,067 00:11:45,509 much less of an impression on Bede, much less of an impression on Bede,
223 00:11:45,533 00:11:47,943 people whose archaeological signature people whose archaeological signature
224 00:11:47,967 00:11:50,476 is much more difficult to trace. is much more difficult to trace.
225 00:11:50,500 00:11:52,376 There's not much evidence of their buildings There's not much evidence of their buildings
226 00:11:52,400 00:11:56,443 and certainly no buried treasure or magnificent graves. and certainly no buried treasure or magnificent graves.
227 00:11:56,467 00:12:00,076 These are the ordinary people, the farmers and workers These are the ordinary people, the farmers and workers
228 00:12:00,100 00:12:02,330 who populated the rural landscape. who populated the rural landscape.
229 00:12:03,067 00:12:06,476 And they are even harder to find. And they are even harder to find.
230 00:12:06,500 00:12:08,709 This is rural Northumberland, This is rural Northumberland,
231 00:12:08,733 00:12:11,873 and we're right in the heart of Bede's home territory. and we're right in the heart of Bede's home territory.
232 00:12:13,667 00:12:15,609 Today, we exploit this landscape Today, we exploit this landscape
233 00:12:15,633 00:12:18,833 for its natural resources of sand and gravel. for its natural resources of sand and gravel.
234 00:12:20,600 00:12:22,543 But the same industrial machinery But the same industrial machinery
235 00:12:22,567 00:12:24,376 used to remove this material used to remove this material
236 00:12:24,400 00:12:27,209 has uncovered rare and vital evidence has uncovered rare and vital evidence
237 00:12:27,233 00:12:30,073 of life in the so-called Dark Ages. of life in the so-called Dark Ages.
238 00:12:32,367 00:12:35,709 Dr. Clive Waddington is leading the excavations Dr. Clive Waddington is leading the excavations
239 00:12:35,733 00:12:37,173 at Lanton Quarry. at Lanton Quarry.
240 00:12:38,467 00:12:41,576 Last year, his team unearthed rare traces Last year, his team unearthed rare traces
241 00:12:41,600 00:12:44,730 of an ordinary early Anglo-Saxon village. of an ordinary early Anglo-Saxon village.
242 00:12:47,067 00:12:49,276 In front of me here, we've got a range of the finds In front of me here, we've got a range of the finds
243 00:12:49,300 00:12:51,276 that we got from the excavations at Lanton. that we got from the excavations at Lanton.
244 00:12:51,300 00:12:53,543 So you can see, for example, this large stone here, So you can see, for example, this large stone here,
245 00:12:53,567 00:12:55,109 which is a local sandstone. which is a local sandstone.
246 00:12:55,133 00:12:57,676 To the untrained eye, it might not look like a lot, To the untrained eye, it might not look like a lot,
247 00:12:57,700 00:12:58,843 but when you turn it over, but when you turn it over,
248 00:12:58,867 00:13:02,176 you can see this lovely smooth, flat face, you can see this lovely smooth, flat face,
249 00:13:02,200 00:13:05,509 and that's got this perforation here in the center. and that's got this perforation here in the center.
250 00:13:05,533 00:13:07,609 And this is a base of what we call a quern stone, And this is a base of what we call a quern stone,
251 00:13:07,633 00:13:09,476 which is a rubbing stone, which is a rubbing stone,
252 00:13:09,500 00:13:12,043 which would've had a rotary quern on the top, which would've had a rotary quern on the top,
253 00:13:12,067 00:13:14,143 another stone that would have been used another stone that would have been used
254 00:13:14,167 00:13:16,227 for milling grain to create flour. for milling grain to create flour.
255 00:13:17,167 00:13:20,109 Fragments of evidence reveal that the daily lives Fragments of evidence reveal that the daily lives
256 00:13:20,133 00:13:22,209 of these long-forgotten villagers of these long-forgotten villagers
257 00:13:22,233 00:13:26,043 would have involved milling, weaving, and metalworking. would have involved milling, weaving, and metalworking.
258 00:13:26,067 00:13:29,043 But there are also more decorative items. But there are also more decorative items.
259 00:13:29,067 00:13:31,109 We found some glass beads, We found some glass beads,
260 00:13:31,133 00:13:33,843 and you can see that these are really beautifully decorated, and you can see that these are really beautifully decorated,
261 00:13:33,867 00:13:36,176 and we call them polychrome beads. and we call them polychrome beads.
262 00:13:36,200 00:13:37,809 They're multicolored. They're multicolored.
263 00:13:37,833 00:13:39,509 These have been analyzed These have been analyzed
264 00:13:39,533 00:13:43,076 and have been shown to contain traces of metal, as well, and have been shown to contain traces of metal, as well,
265 00:13:43,100 00:13:45,400 which they'd use to color the glass. which they'd use to color the glass.
266 00:13:46,067 00:13:49,209 It's not treasure, but these everyday objects It's not treasure, but these everyday objects
267 00:13:49,233 00:13:51,176 are shedding light on the workers, are shedding light on the workers,
268 00:13:51,200 00:13:55,230 farmers, and craftsmen who settled these rural plains. farmers, and craftsmen who settled these rural plains.
269 00:14:05,767 00:14:07,876 300 miles down the coast, 300 miles down the coast,
270 00:14:07,900 00:14:11,070 I'm about to meet the founding fathers of the invasion. I'm about to meet the founding fathers of the invasion.
271 00:14:12,300 00:14:13,876 According to Bede, According to Bede,
272 00:14:13,900 00:14:17,809 the Anglo-Saxon takeover began here on the coast of Kent the Anglo-Saxon takeover began here on the coast of Kent
273 00:14:17,833 00:14:22,143 with the arrival of two warrior brothers, Hengist and Horsa. with the arrival of two warrior brothers, Hengist and Horsa.
274 00:14:22,167 00:14:25,376 They had been called in to help the British king, Vortigern, They had been called in to help the British king, Vortigern,
275 00:14:25,400 00:14:28,676 fight against his enemies the Picts. fight against his enemies the Picts.
276 00:14:28,700 00:14:33,043 And they were followed by wave upon wave of Germanic warriors And they were followed by wave upon wave of Germanic warriors
277 00:14:33,067 00:14:34,776 who settled in Kent. who settled in Kent.
278 00:14:34,800 00:14:38,876 But before long, those incomers would turn against their host But before long, those incomers would turn against their host
279 00:14:38,900 00:14:41,409 and start to expand the boundaries and start to expand the boundaries
280 00:14:41,433 00:14:43,073 of their new territory. of their new territory.
281 00:14:56,867 00:15:00,309 We don't know whether these two men actually existed, We don't know whether these two men actually existed,
282 00:15:00,333 00:15:03,443 but it is clear that Germanic tribes were settling in Kent but it is clear that Germanic tribes were settling in Kent
283 00:15:03,467 00:15:05,443 by the 5th century. by the 5th century.
284 00:15:05,467 00:15:08,043 We're in what may have been the territory We're in what may have been the territory
285 00:15:08,067 00:15:11,509 of the first Anglo-Saxon warlords to settle here. of the first Anglo-Saxon warlords to settle here.
286 00:15:11,533 00:15:13,809 Within a hundred years of their arrival, Within a hundred years of their arrival,
287 00:15:13,833 00:15:15,576 their kingdom became the richest their kingdom became the richest
288 00:15:15,600 00:15:17,830 and most powerful in Britain. and most powerful in Britain.
289 00:15:22,100 00:15:23,476 And this year, the skeletons And this year, the skeletons
290 00:15:23,500 00:15:26,276 of the people who lived here at this time of the people who lived here at this time
291 00:15:26,300 00:15:28,470 have been emerging from the ground. have been emerging from the ground.
292 00:15:30,667 00:15:33,809 A huge new highway is being built in Thanet, A huge new highway is being built in Thanet,
293 00:15:33,833 00:15:35,343 cutting straight through an area cutting straight through an area
294 00:15:35,367 00:15:38,367 that's particularly rich in archaeology. that's particularly rich in archaeology.
295 00:15:39,700 00:15:43,243 A team from Oxford Wessex Archaeology has been called in A team from Oxford Wessex Archaeology has been called in
296 00:15:43,267 00:15:45,776 to systematically excavate the area to systematically excavate the area
297 00:15:45,800 00:15:48,476 before the road can be laid. before the road can be laid.
298 00:15:48,500 00:15:49,943 There's a male individual. There's a male individual.
299 00:15:49,967 00:15:54,297 You can see by the very prominent eyebrow ridges. You can see by the very prominent eyebrow ridges.
300 00:15:54,933 00:15:58,876 The very, very robust clavicles, or collarbones. The very, very robust clavicles, or collarbones.
301 00:15:58,900 00:16:00,576 As well as Saxon graves, As well as Saxon graves,
302 00:16:00,600 00:16:03,809 archaeologists have found pits full of discarded shells, archaeologists have found pits full of discarded shells,
303 00:16:03,833 00:16:06,833 evidence of the food eaten by local settlers. evidence of the food eaten by local settlers.
304 00:16:11,267 00:16:14,709 They record their findings using satellite technology, They record their findings using satellite technology,
305 00:16:14,733 00:16:17,043 eventually linking together all the graves eventually linking together all the graves
306 00:16:17,067 00:16:19,676 and finds across the site. and finds across the site.
307 00:16:19,700 00:16:21,209 When the work is finished, When the work is finished,
308 00:16:21,233 00:16:23,209 all the information they've discovered here all the information they've discovered here
309 00:16:23,233 00:16:25,973 will form a detailed computerized map. will form a detailed computerized map.
310 00:16:30,867 00:16:33,643 This excavation is absolutely massive, This excavation is absolutely massive,
311 00:16:33,667 00:16:36,343 but it's just one of over 20 similar sites but it's just one of over 20 similar sites
312 00:16:36,367 00:16:38,376 up and down the road scheme. up and down the road scheme.
313 00:16:38,400 00:16:42,743 Here we've got the two largest archaeological units in the U.K. Here we've got the two largest archaeological units in the U.K.
314 00:16:42,767 00:16:44,043 coming together. coming together.
315 00:16:44,067 00:16:46,543 There are over a hundred professional archaeologists There are over a hundred professional archaeologists
316 00:16:46,567 00:16:48,609 on site at any one time, on site at any one time,
317 00:16:48,633 00:16:52,433 making it the largest excavation in Britain this year. making it the largest excavation in Britain this year.
318 00:16:53,400 00:16:56,876 And when they've finished, it will all disappear once more And when they've finished, it will all disappear once more
319 00:16:56,900 00:16:58,476 beneath the tarmac and cars beneath the tarmac and cars
320 00:16:58,500 00:17:00,776 that will eventually pass this way. that will eventually pass this way.
321 00:17:00,800 00:17:03,500 But the archaeologists' work will continue. But the archaeologists' work will continue.
322 00:17:05,767 00:17:08,909 Analysis will be carried out on the skeletons. Analysis will be carried out on the skeletons.
323 00:17:08,933 00:17:12,043 Eventually, we should know their age, their sex, Eventually, we should know their age, their sex,
324 00:17:12,067 00:17:15,276 and even the diseases they suffered from. and even the diseases they suffered from.
325 00:17:15,300 00:17:16,943 It may take years. It may take years.
326 00:17:16,967 00:17:20,127 But archaeology isn't just about the digging. But archaeology isn't just about the digging.
327 00:17:22,800 00:17:25,809 In 2008, another Anglo-Saxon cemetery In 2008, another Anglo-Saxon cemetery
328 00:17:25,833 00:17:28,276 was discovered 30 miles away. was discovered 30 miles away.
329 00:17:28,300 00:17:32,243 And it's only now, after nearly two years of research, And it's only now, after nearly two years of research,
330 00:17:32,267 00:17:35,867 that it's yielding remarkable insights into their world. that it's yielding remarkable insights into their world.
331 00:17:38,667 00:17:40,543 You might wonder what I'm doing in a car park You might wonder what I'm doing in a car park
332 00:17:40,567 00:17:43,243 outside a shopping center in Sittingbourne, outside a shopping center in Sittingbourne,
333 00:17:43,267 00:17:45,543 but I promise you, if you come with me through these doors, but I promise you, if you come with me through these doors,
334 00:17:45,567 00:17:47,876 there's evidence of Anglo-Saxon Kent there's evidence of Anglo-Saxon Kent
335 00:17:47,900 00:17:50,100 at the height of its powers. at the height of its powers.
336 00:17:51,167 00:17:54,409 Archaeologists have recovered 2,500 objects Archaeologists have recovered 2,500 objects
337 00:17:54,433 00:17:59,576 from around 230 graves at a site called The Meads. from around 230 graves at a site called The Meads.
338 00:17:59,600 00:18:02,043 It's an enormous collection of clues It's an enormous collection of clues
339 00:18:02,067 00:18:04,697 dating back nearly 1,500 years. dating back nearly 1,500 years.
340 00:18:06,167 00:18:08,909 And processing this volume of material And processing this volume of material
341 00:18:08,933 00:18:11,273 demands a unique approach. demands a unique approach.
342 00:18:14,100 00:18:17,070 Right, I think this must be it. Right, I think this must be it.
343 00:18:22,467 00:18:26,409 Dana Goodburn-Brown is an archaeological conservator. Dana Goodburn-Brown is an archaeological conservator.
344 00:18:26,433 00:18:29,709 A year ago, she pioneered a radical new scheme, A year ago, she pioneered a radical new scheme,
345 00:18:29,733 00:18:32,343 encouraging local volunteers to get involved encouraging local volunteers to get involved
346 00:18:32,367 00:18:34,343 with conserving the grave goods with conserving the grave goods
347 00:18:34,367 00:18:36,927 of people who may have been their ancestors. of people who may have been their ancestors.
348 00:18:38,933 00:18:40,409 So have you got people coming in So have you got people coming in
349 00:18:40,433 00:18:42,309 who have never done anything like this before? who have never done anything like this before?
350 00:18:42,333 00:18:43,443 Oh, yeah, no, Oh, yeah, no,
351 00:18:43,467 00:18:45,409 no one's done anything exactly like this. no one's done anything exactly like this.
352 00:18:45,433 00:18:46,876 No, they go through a training session, No, they go through a training session,
353 00:18:46,900 00:18:48,743 and we have some practice pieces, and we have some practice pieces,
354 00:18:48,767 00:18:51,109 and then they start working on the real thing. and then they start working on the real thing.
355 00:18:51,133 00:18:53,576 So what are the artifacts that you're working on here, Dana? So what are the artifacts that you're working on here, Dana?
356 00:18:53,600 00:18:56,776 Well, this is a side view of this block, Well, this is a side view of this block,
357 00:18:56,800 00:19:02,476 which seems to have this enormous brooch that's gilded. which seems to have this enormous brooch that's gilded.
358 00:19:02,500 00:19:05,043 You can just see a little bit of gild... gold coming out, You can just see a little bit of gild... gold coming out,
359 00:19:05,067 00:19:07,676 so there's quite an intricate design going on there. so there's quite an intricate design going on there.
360 00:19:07,700 00:19:09,576 But they could see that there was a series of rings. But they could see that there was a series of rings.
361 00:19:09,600 00:19:11,109 Now, if they lifted them out individually, Now, if they lifted them out individually,
362 00:19:11,133 00:19:12,643 you'd kind of just have a series of rings, you'd kind of just have a series of rings,
363 00:19:12,667 00:19:14,243 and you wouldn't really know what it was. and you wouldn't really know what it was.
364 00:19:14,267 00:19:16,043 But if you X-ray it as a block, But if you X-ray it as a block,
365 00:19:16,067 00:19:18,643 you can see the relationship between one and the other, you can see the relationship between one and the other,
366 00:19:18,667 00:19:21,576 so this was something that went around the waist, so this was something that went around the waist,
367 00:19:21,600 00:19:24,370 and probably keys or things might've hung off of it. and probably keys or things might've hung off of it.
368 00:19:25,833 00:19:27,409 Dana's innovative project Dana's innovative project
369 00:19:27,433 00:19:30,076 is opening up archaeology to everyone is opening up archaeology to everyone
370 00:19:30,100 00:19:32,130 and is already proving popular. and is already proving popular.
371 00:19:34,200 00:19:36,643 We've had almost 10,000 people, We've had almost 10,000 people,
372 00:19:36,667 00:19:39,043 and so you get people just dropping by. and so you get people just dropping by.
373 00:19:39,067 00:19:41,043 Some people come back again and again, Some people come back again and again,
374 00:19:41,067 00:19:43,776 and we've been open several months, and we've been open several months,
375 00:19:43,800 00:19:45,870 and people are still just discovering us new. and people are still just discovering us new.
376 00:19:48,267 00:19:49,309 Don't you think it's great? Don't you think it's great?
377 00:19:49,333 00:19:51,776 Because loads of people can see it. Because loads of people can see it.
378 00:19:51,800 00:19:53,776 Normally conservation work goes on Normally conservation work goes on
379 00:19:53,800 00:19:55,509 behind closed doors in a museum. behind closed doors in a museum.
380 00:19:55,533 00:19:57,809 And I love what I do, And I love what I do,
381 00:19:57,833 00:19:59,776 and it's really nice to share it with other people. and it's really nice to share it with other people.
382 00:19:59,800 00:20:01,576 I do have stop myself sometimes and think, I do have stop myself sometimes and think,
383 00:20:01,600 00:20:06,709 "Ah, this is 1,400 years old, and some craftsman made this, "Ah, this is 1,400 years old, and some craftsman made this,
384 00:20:06,733 00:20:07,943 and then someone wore it." and then someone wore it."
385 00:20:07,967 00:20:09,767 It's quite special, yeah. It's quite special, yeah.
386 00:20:11,667 00:20:14,609 This is such a great example of community engagement. This is such a great example of community engagement.
387 00:20:14,633 00:20:17,109 Anybody in this shopping mall... they might be coming here Anybody in this shopping mall... they might be coming here
388 00:20:17,133 00:20:19,109 to get their weekly shop or for a cup of tea... to get their weekly shop or for a cup of tea...
389 00:20:19,133 00:20:23,176 can pop in here and find out more about conservation, can pop in here and find out more about conservation,
390 00:20:23,200 00:20:24,809 archaeology, and local history. archaeology, and local history.
391 00:20:24,833 00:20:26,143 And if they're really interested, And if they're really interested,
392 00:20:26,167 00:20:27,876 they can also volunteer, they can also volunteer,
393 00:20:27,900 00:20:30,676 but right now, I want to find out more but right now, I want to find out more
394 00:20:30,700 00:20:33,470 about the artifacts from those graves. about the artifacts from those graves.
395 00:20:35,333 00:20:37,209 Once they've been cleaned, Once they've been cleaned,
396 00:20:37,233 00:20:40,276 you get a sense of the incredible craftsmanship you get a sense of the incredible craftsmanship
397 00:20:40,300 00:20:43,470 that's gone into making these stunning objects. that's gone into making these stunning objects.
398 00:20:44,067 00:20:47,827 But what can they tell us about Anglo-Saxon life? But what can they tell us about Anglo-Saxon life?
399 00:20:49,367 00:20:53,009 Dr. Andrew Richardson of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust Dr. Andrew Richardson of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust
400 00:20:53,033 00:20:57,143 has been interpreting these finds for over two years. has been interpreting these finds for over two years.
401 00:20:57,167 00:20:59,276 Andrew, these are wonderful objects just here. Andrew, these are wonderful objects just here.
402 00:20:59,300 00:21:01,343 - Are they brooches? - Yes. - Are they brooches? - Yes.
403 00:21:01,367 00:21:03,576 I mean, if you look at this one, I mean, if you look at this one,
404 00:21:03,600 00:21:05,843 this is what we call a plated disc brooch. this is what we call a plated disc brooch.
405 00:21:05,867 00:21:08,176 It's basically a silver back plate It's basically a silver back plate
406 00:21:08,200 00:21:11,576 with a gold front plate, then gold cell work with a gold front plate, then gold cell work
407 00:21:11,600 00:21:13,376 and then inlaid with garnets and then inlaid with garnets
408 00:21:13,400 00:21:16,309 and very, very fine gold filigree wire. and very, very fine gold filigree wire.
409 00:21:16,333 00:21:18,376 It's also very delicately made. It's also very delicately made.
410 00:21:18,400 00:21:23,176 It is. It's very highly skilled craftworking. It is. It's very highly skilled craftworking.
411 00:21:23,200 00:21:27,543 And when you show this sort of thing to modern jewelers, And when you show this sort of thing to modern jewelers,
412 00:21:27,567 00:21:29,843 they say that they would have to charge you they say that they would have to charge you
413 00:21:29,867 00:21:33,767 an enormous amount of money to make a copy of this. an enormous amount of money to make a copy of this.
414 00:21:35,433 00:21:38,209 The woman who owned this, who wore this, The woman who owned this, who wore this,
415 00:21:38,233 00:21:41,509 would probably have been at the top of the social scale would probably have been at the top of the social scale
416 00:21:41,533 00:21:43,509 in this community. in this community.
417 00:21:43,533 00:21:46,209 Incredibly high status, possibly even royal connections. Incredibly high status, possibly even royal connections.
418 00:21:46,233 00:21:47,776 Definitely, I think, yeah. Definitely, I think, yeah.
419 00:21:47,800 00:21:51,409 Many of the people buried here by their grieving loved ones Many of the people buried here by their grieving loved ones
420 00:21:51,433 00:21:54,443 were adorned with magnificent pieces of jewelry. were adorned with magnificent pieces of jewelry.
421 00:21:54,467 00:21:56,843 But the whole community is here, But the whole community is here,
422 00:21:56,867 00:21:59,509 some buried with ordinary, everyday items some buried with ordinary, everyday items
423 00:21:59,533 00:22:01,609 like this iron knife. like this iron knife.
424 00:22:01,633 00:22:03,309 If you think about, you know, If you think about, you know,
425 00:22:03,333 00:22:05,443 the full range of objects we've got from this site, the full range of objects we've got from this site,
426 00:22:05,467 00:22:08,876 it's a huge investment in wealth in the ground it's a huge investment in wealth in the ground
427 00:22:08,900 00:22:10,509 that isn't recovered by them. that isn't recovered by them.
428 00:22:10,533 00:22:12,209 It's only when we excavate it It's only when we excavate it
429 00:22:12,233 00:22:15,776 that it emerges into the light again. that it emerges into the light again.
430 00:22:15,800 00:22:19,109 The people interred here were part of a wave of settlers The people interred here were part of a wave of settlers
431 00:22:19,133 00:22:21,043 who'd come to make their mark, who'd come to make their mark,
432 00:22:21,067 00:22:24,743 and nearly 1,500 years on, this cemetery is allowing us and nearly 1,500 years on, this cemetery is allowing us
433 00:22:24,767 00:22:28,176 to glimpse how their society functioned. to glimpse how their society functioned.
434 00:22:28,200 00:22:30,209 A member of a powerful family dies, A member of a powerful family dies,
435 00:22:30,233 00:22:33,709 the family have to sort of reaffirm the family have to sort of reaffirm
436 00:22:33,733 00:22:37,376 that that family still has power and status. that that family still has power and status.
437 00:22:37,400 00:22:40,043 Because this certainly isn't costume jewelry, is it? Because this certainly isn't costume jewelry, is it?
438 00:22:40,067 00:22:41,343 I mean, this is the real thing. I mean, this is the real thing.
439 00:22:41,367 00:22:44,143 These are incredibly prized items. These are incredibly prized items.
440 00:22:44,167 00:22:45,576 This is the real thing. This is the real thing.
441 00:22:45,600 00:22:50,443 I mean, for their time, these are the top-of-the-range jewelry I mean, for their time, these are the top-of-the-range jewelry
442 00:22:50,467 00:22:52,443 that Anglo-Saxon England can produce. that Anglo-Saxon England can produce.
443 00:22:52,467 00:22:54,676 We can suppose that these settlers We can suppose that these settlers
444 00:22:54,700 00:22:58,376 were seen by the people already living here as invaders. were seen by the people already living here as invaders.
445 00:22:58,400 00:23:02,043 And power in these times was wielded at the end of a sword. And power in these times was wielded at the end of a sword.
446 00:23:02,067 00:23:03,376 The cemetery bears witness The cemetery bears witness
447 00:23:03,400 00:23:05,376 to the importance of these weapons. to the importance of these weapons.
448 00:23:05,400 00:23:07,043 These are iron weapons. These are iron weapons.
449 00:23:07,067 00:23:09,643 You've got spearheads. You've got spearheads.
450 00:23:09,667 00:23:12,943 Some of these spearheads inlaid with gold. Some of these spearheads inlaid with gold.
451 00:23:12,967 00:23:17,043 You've got some decorated pyramid mounts You've got some decorated pyramid mounts
452 00:23:17,067 00:23:18,609 from a sword belt. from a sword belt.
453 00:23:18,633 00:23:19,876 They are amazing. They are amazing.
454 00:23:19,900 00:23:21,809 - Can I pick that up on its base? - Yes. - Can I pick that up on its base? - Yes.
455 00:23:21,833 00:23:26,209 These exquisite items are over 1,000 old. These exquisite items are over 1,000 old.
456 00:23:26,233 00:23:30,809 Shaped in silver, inlaid with gold, and topped with garnet, Shaped in silver, inlaid with gold, and topped with garnet,
457 00:23:30,833 00:23:32,576 an extraordinary amount of effort an extraordinary amount of effort
458 00:23:32,600 00:23:35,143 has gone into crafting them. has gone into crafting them.
459 00:23:35,167 00:23:39,276 I think they're real, functional weapons, I think they're real, functional weapons,
460 00:23:39,300 00:23:41,070 but they have a symbolic role. but they have a symbolic role.
461 00:23:42,367 00:23:46,509 Young children, people who are severely disabled Young children, people who are severely disabled
462 00:23:46,533 00:23:48,409 have been found buried with weapons, have been found buried with weapons,
463 00:23:48,433 00:23:50,376 people who could never have used them in battle. people who could never have used them in battle.
464 00:23:50,400 00:23:53,043 But still see themselves somehow as warriors. But still see themselves somehow as warriors.
465 00:23:53,067 00:23:56,909 They do, they do, and I think Anglo-Saxon culture, They do, they do, and I think Anglo-Saxon culture,
466 00:23:56,933 00:24:00,143 if you look at their poetry, their artwork, if you look at their poetry, their artwork,
467 00:24:00,167 00:24:04,309 is very, very centered on warfare. is very, very centered on warfare.
468 00:24:04,333 00:24:06,143 It's about communicating a message It's about communicating a message
469 00:24:06,167 00:24:07,809 about how they see themselves, about how they see themselves,
470 00:24:07,833 00:24:12,043 how the family see the deceased in the funeral rite. how the family see the deceased in the funeral rite.
471 00:24:12,067 00:24:15,076 This amazing cemetery has let me back This amazing cemetery has let me back
472 00:24:15,100 00:24:18,843 into a long-vanished world of Anglo-Saxon warlords into a long-vanished world of Anglo-Saxon warlords
473 00:24:18,867 00:24:21,609 and their much-loved wives and daughters. and their much-loved wives and daughters.
474 00:24:21,633 00:24:24,309 But the finds reveal that this was a world But the finds reveal that this was a world
475 00:24:24,333 00:24:27,809 not just of warfare, but of feasting, too. not just of warfare, but of feasting, too.
476 00:24:27,833 00:24:29,943 What about these vessels here in the center? What about these vessels here in the center?
477 00:24:29,967 00:24:31,043 They're rather intriguing. They're rather intriguing.
478 00:24:31,067 00:24:34,943 Well, these are replicas Well, these are replicas
479 00:24:34,967 00:24:38,309 of two cut-glass cone beakers of two cut-glass cone beakers
480 00:24:38,333 00:24:41,676 that were excavated in one of the graves at this site. that were excavated in one of the graves at this site.
481 00:24:41,700 00:24:44,070 They actually were found intact. They actually were found intact.
482 00:24:45,067 00:24:46,476 They're quite curious. They're quite curious.
483 00:24:46,500 00:24:48,409 You obviously couldn't stand that up on a table. You obviously couldn't stand that up on a table.
484 00:24:48,433 00:24:51,909 And I think these are, again, about communal feasting. And I think these are, again, about communal feasting.
485 00:24:51,933 00:24:55,273 I think they used to be passed around the mead table. I think they used to be passed around the mead table.
486 00:24:56,433 00:24:58,509 And these were found together And these were found together
487 00:24:58,533 00:25:01,609 in the grave of somebody with a sword, in the grave of somebody with a sword,
488 00:25:01,633 00:25:04,576 so perhaps a warrior but certainly a man, so perhaps a warrior but certainly a man,
489 00:25:04,600 00:25:08,243 and making a statement about perhaps his love of feasting, and making a statement about perhaps his love of feasting,
490 00:25:08,267 00:25:10,276 his love of mead. his love of mead.
491 00:25:10,300 00:25:14,043 And it's ironic that the site is called The Meads And it's ironic that the site is called The Meads
492 00:25:14,067 00:25:17,397 and they've built a pub on it. and they've built a pub on it.
493 00:25:20,400 00:25:23,109 There is so little documentary evidence There is so little documentary evidence
494 00:25:23,133 00:25:25,443 of early Anglo-Saxon society, of early Anglo-Saxon society,
495 00:25:25,467 00:25:29,243 so cemeteries like this and those amazing grave goods so cemeteries like this and those amazing grave goods
496 00:25:29,267 00:25:33,476 offer us a really precious insight into that culture. offer us a really precious insight into that culture.
497 00:25:33,500 00:25:36,709 And we start to be able to really focus on those people And we start to be able to really focus on those people
498 00:25:36,733 00:25:38,543 in the forgotten cemetery, in the forgotten cemetery,
499 00:25:38,567 00:25:42,943 who themselves have long since faded from memory. who themselves have long since faded from memory.
500 00:25:42,967 00:25:47,776 The idea of a Christian God was slowly gaining ground, The idea of a Christian God was slowly gaining ground,
501 00:25:47,800 00:25:49,476 but the pagan gods and goddesses but the pagan gods and goddesses
502 00:25:49,500 00:25:52,676 were so deeply rooted in Anglo-Saxon culture were so deeply rooted in Anglo-Saxon culture
503 00:25:52,700 00:25:55,130 that they wouldn't disappear overnight. that they wouldn't disappear overnight.
504 00:25:57,267 00:26:01,809 Christianity had returned, and, like the invaders' own arrival, Christianity had returned, and, like the invaders' own arrival,
505 00:26:01,833 00:26:05,773 it would wash through the land, slowly but surely. it would wash through the land, slowly but surely.
506 00:26:08,433 00:26:11,043 One important aspect of this change One important aspect of this change
507 00:26:11,067 00:26:12,943 is that by the 8th century, is that by the 8th century,
508 00:26:12,967 00:26:16,243 hundreds of minsters and nunneries had taken root hundreds of minsters and nunneries had taken root
509 00:26:16,267 00:26:18,809 all over Anglo-Saxon Britain. all over Anglo-Saxon Britain.
510 00:26:18,833 00:26:21,676 The presence of these monastic communities The presence of these monastic communities
511 00:26:21,700 00:26:24,409 molded the entire future of the country, molded the entire future of the country,
512 00:26:24,433 00:26:26,576 not least because they reintroduced not least because they reintroduced
513 00:26:26,600 00:26:28,543 widespread literacy. widespread literacy.
514 00:26:28,567 00:26:30,943 But apart from inside the very greatest But apart from inside the very greatest
515 00:26:30,967 00:26:32,609 of these religious houses, of these religious houses,
516 00:26:32,633 00:26:36,609 we have very little idea of what life was like in them. we have very little idea of what life was like in them.
517 00:26:36,633 00:26:40,043 And that's what makes our next story so exciting. And that's what makes our next story so exciting.
518 00:26:40,067 00:26:42,109 It's a rare opportunity It's a rare opportunity
519 00:26:42,133 00:26:45,973 to excavate and understand an Anglo-Saxon nunnery. to excavate and understand an Anglo-Saxon nunnery.
520 00:26:57,400 00:27:01,043 This is Berkeley Castle in modern-day Gloucestershire. This is Berkeley Castle in modern-day Gloucestershire.
521 00:27:01,067 00:27:03,909 Some of the castle dates to the 12th century, Some of the castle dates to the 12th century,
522 00:27:03,933 00:27:06,676 but its roots go back to the Christian conversion but its roots go back to the Christian conversion
523 00:27:06,700 00:27:09,043 of the Anglo-Saxons. of the Anglo-Saxons.
524 00:27:09,067 00:27:13,109 17th-century manuscripts speak of an Anglo-Saxon nunnery 17th-century manuscripts speak of an Anglo-Saxon nunnery
525 00:27:13,133 00:27:15,443 based within these grounds. based within these grounds.
526 00:27:15,467 00:27:17,476 And my friends from Bristol University And my friends from Bristol University
527 00:27:17,500 00:27:19,876 are hoping to find its walls. are hoping to find its walls.
528 00:27:19,900 00:27:21,530 Looking good, guys, looking good. Looking good, guys, looking good.
529 00:27:22,767 00:27:25,927 Dr. Stuart Prior is co-directing the excavations. Dr. Stuart Prior is co-directing the excavations.
530 00:27:26,833 00:27:28,209 He's been able to put a date He's been able to put a date
531 00:27:28,233 00:27:31,103 on some of the early structures that are emerging. on some of the early structures that are emerging.
532 00:27:33,867 00:27:36,443 Just from this area here, Just from this area here,
533 00:27:36,467 00:27:41,476 we got this absolutely fantastic Anglo-Saxon strap end. we got this absolutely fantastic Anglo-Saxon strap end.
534 00:27:41,500 00:27:42,943 Would have been on the end of a belt, Would have been on the end of a belt,
535 00:27:42,967 00:27:46,109 and essentially, it's in the shape of a little beast's head, and essentially, it's in the shape of a little beast's head,
536 00:27:46,133 00:27:48,576 a little dragon's head, and it's 9th century. a little dragon's head, and it's 9th century.
537 00:27:48,600 00:27:52,343 And this was buried underneath a section of collapsed wall. And this was buried underneath a section of collapsed wall.
538 00:27:52,367 00:27:55,309 So what that shows is that this building just here behind me So what that shows is that this building just here behind me
539 00:27:55,333 00:27:58,209 has to be 8th or early 9th century. has to be 8th or early 9th century.
540 00:27:58,233 00:27:59,676 Goes out of use. Goes out of use.
541 00:27:59,700 00:28:03,309 Part of the wall collapses and seals this particular object, Part of the wall collapses and seals this particular object,
542 00:28:03,333 00:28:04,543 and essentially, what this does and essentially, what this does
543 00:28:04,567 00:28:06,209 is it gives us really good dating evidence is it gives us really good dating evidence
544 00:28:06,233 00:28:10,073 to say this is Saxon and it's probably the nunnery. to say this is Saxon and it's probably the nunnery.
545 00:28:13,833 00:28:15,909 Go off to there 20 meters long. There. Go off to there 20 meters long. There.
546 00:28:15,933 00:28:19,043 Also directing the dig is Professor Mark Horton. Also directing the dig is Professor Mark Horton.
547 00:28:19,067 00:28:21,376 He's finding some intriguing evidence He's finding some intriguing evidence
548 00:28:21,400 00:28:24,676 of life inside the Anglo-Saxon nunnery. of life inside the Anglo-Saxon nunnery.
549 00:28:24,700 00:28:26,343 The thing about Anglo-Saxon archaeology The thing about Anglo-Saxon archaeology
550 00:28:26,367 00:28:28,476 is that finds are incredibly rare. is that finds are incredibly rare.
551 00:28:28,500 00:28:30,209 But we've been really lucky But we've been really lucky
552 00:28:30,233 00:28:33,843 in finding an extraordinary quantity of material in finding an extraordinary quantity of material
553 00:28:33,867 00:28:37,243 from this excavation, metalwork like buckles and so forth. from this excavation, metalwork like buckles and so forth.
554 00:28:37,267 00:28:41,067 But maybe the most interesting are these three. But maybe the most interesting are these three.
555 00:28:41,900 00:28:45,143 This is a whetstone, or hone stone. This is a whetstone, or hone stone.
556 00:28:45,167 00:28:47,776 It probably would have hung around somebody's neck. It probably would have hung around somebody's neck.
557 00:28:47,800 00:28:51,276 What it was used for was sharpening the knife What it was used for was sharpening the knife
558 00:28:51,300 00:28:54,043 that you would then sharpen the quill, that you would then sharpen the quill,
559 00:28:54,067 00:28:57,276 which you would use for illuminating manuscripts, which you would use for illuminating manuscripts,
560 00:28:57,300 00:28:58,876 parchment manuscripts. parchment manuscripts.
561 00:28:58,900 00:29:02,943 So it's evidence of learning, of scholarship, So it's evidence of learning, of scholarship,
562 00:29:02,967 00:29:05,709 literacy in the middle Saxon period. literacy in the middle Saxon period.
563 00:29:05,733 00:29:09,376 This find might be tiny, but it's a rare piece This find might be tiny, but it's a rare piece
564 00:29:09,400 00:29:12,843 of physical evidence from a world in flux, of physical evidence from a world in flux,
565 00:29:12,867 00:29:16,743 a direct link to the revival of the written word a direct link to the revival of the written word
566 00:29:16,767 00:29:18,727 throughout Anglo-Saxon Britain. throughout Anglo-Saxon Britain.
567 00:29:24,633 00:29:27,543 And this is an extraordinary piece. And this is an extraordinary piece.
568 00:29:27,567 00:29:29,709 It's 8th century. It's 8th century.
569 00:29:29,733 00:29:32,643 Experts are really divided on what it really is, Experts are really divided on what it really is,
570 00:29:32,667 00:29:35,043 but I think it's what's called an aestel. but I think it's what's called an aestel.
571 00:29:35,067 00:29:38,376 It would've had a bone pointer attached to one end. It would've had a bone pointer attached to one end.
572 00:29:38,400 00:29:42,409 It would have been used to help reading manuscripts. It would have been used to help reading manuscripts.
573 00:29:42,433 00:29:44,776 We know that these religious houses We know that these religious houses
574 00:29:44,800 00:29:47,209 were not just places of worship. were not just places of worship.
575 00:29:47,233 00:29:48,743 And as the digging continues, And as the digging continues,
576 00:29:48,767 00:29:51,576 artifacts are gradually emerging from the ground artifacts are gradually emerging from the ground
577 00:29:51,600 00:29:54,409 that reveal that they were also focal points that reveal that they were also focal points
578 00:29:54,433 00:29:56,133 for commercial activity. for commercial activity.
579 00:29:57,333 00:29:59,176 This was only found yesterday, This was only found yesterday,
580 00:29:59,200 00:30:01,443 just up there on that surface up there. just up there on that surface up there.
581 00:30:01,467 00:30:04,509 And it is the earliest type of coinage And it is the earliest type of coinage
582 00:30:04,533 00:30:07,009 used in Anglo-Saxon England. used in Anglo-Saxon England.
583 00:30:07,033 00:30:09,876 Dates from around 690 to around 740. Dates from around 690 to around 740.
584 00:30:09,900 00:30:11,309 It's known as a sceat. It's known as a sceat.
585 00:30:11,333 00:30:15,676 Now, these things are very, very rare in western Britain. Now, these things are very, very rare in western Britain.
586 00:30:15,700 00:30:18,309 They're found in some quantity in places like London They're found in some quantity in places like London
587 00:30:18,333 00:30:20,209 and Ipswich and Southampton. and Ipswich and Southampton.
588 00:30:20,233 00:30:23,409 But here in the west, they're virtually unheard of. But here in the west, they're virtually unheard of.
589 00:30:23,433 00:30:26,476 Why it's so exciting, it tells us two things. Why it's so exciting, it tells us two things.
590 00:30:26,500 00:30:28,543 One is that this place One is that this place
591 00:30:28,567 00:30:31,743 was really important for trade and commerce. was really important for trade and commerce.
592 00:30:31,767 00:30:33,943 And the second reason is that this find And the second reason is that this find
593 00:30:33,967 00:30:36,243 puts the site back much earlier. puts the site back much earlier.
594 00:30:36,267 00:30:38,509 The first documentary evidence we've got The first documentary evidence we've got
595 00:30:38,533 00:30:41,143 is in the middle part of the 8th century. is in the middle part of the 8th century.
596 00:30:41,167 00:30:43,909 This coin suggests there were people here This coin suggests there were people here
597 00:30:43,933 00:30:46,676 in the late 7th or early 8th century, in the late 7th or early 8th century,
598 00:30:46,700 00:30:49,843 right at the beginning of the conversion right at the beginning of the conversion
599 00:30:49,867 00:30:52,127 of this part of the world to Christianity. of this part of the world to Christianity.
600 00:30:56,567 00:30:59,176 The jewel in the crown of this Anglo-Saxon nunnery The jewel in the crown of this Anglo-Saxon nunnery
601 00:30:59,200 00:31:01,543 is a quite incredible object. is a quite incredible object.
602 00:31:01,567 00:31:06,043 No one seems to know exactly where it was found or how, No one seems to know exactly where it was found or how,
603 00:31:06,067 00:31:09,776 and as far as I know, it's never been seen by the public before. and as far as I know, it's never been seen by the public before.
604 00:31:09,800 00:31:11,876 So it's incredibly exciting So it's incredibly exciting
605 00:31:11,900 00:31:14,170 that we're getting a chance to examine it. that we're getting a chance to examine it.
606 00:31:15,267 00:31:17,776 That is fantastic, isn't it? That is fantastic, isn't it?
607 00:31:17,800 00:31:19,643 Absolutely fantastic. Absolutely fantastic.
608 00:31:19,667 00:31:21,643 It's actually bigger than I imagined. It's actually bigger than I imagined.
609 00:31:21,667 00:31:23,443 Yeah, it's an extraordinary thing. Yeah, it's an extraordinary thing.
610 00:31:23,467 00:31:25,509 You know, you've seen photographs or drawings, You know, you've seen photographs or drawings,
611 00:31:25,533 00:31:27,943 but when you see the thing itself, but when you see the thing itself,
612 00:31:27,967 00:31:29,909 it is a wonderful, wonderful piece. it is a wonderful, wonderful piece.
613 00:31:29,933 00:31:33,209 Leslie Webster, former curator of Anglo-Saxon archaeology Leslie Webster, former curator of Anglo-Saxon archaeology
614 00:31:33,233 00:31:34,643 at the British Museum, at the British Museum,
615 00:31:34,667 00:31:37,676 is astonished by the level of its artistry. is astonished by the level of its artistry.
616 00:31:37,700 00:31:40,676 The craftsmanship, which is magnificent, The craftsmanship, which is magnificent,
617 00:31:40,700 00:31:44,909 and the sort of sheer quantity of gold that's gone into that. and the sort of sheer quantity of gold that's gone into that.
618 00:31:44,933 00:31:48,076 So the question I've got to ask you, Leslie, how old is it? So the question I've got to ask you, Leslie, how old is it?
619 00:31:48,100 00:31:50,509 Well, looking at the style of the piece, Well, looking at the style of the piece,
620 00:31:50,533 00:31:51,876 my feeling is that it belongs my feeling is that it belongs
621 00:31:51,900 00:31:53,576 to the first third of the 9th century. to the first third of the 9th century.
622 00:31:53,600 00:31:55,070 That's amazing. That's amazing.
623 00:31:55,733 00:31:59,176 Although we can't say for sure that the ring is Christian, Although we can't say for sure that the ring is Christian,
624 00:31:59,200 00:32:02,243 it seems to be in the shape of a cross. it seems to be in the shape of a cross.
625 00:32:02,267 00:32:03,809 Leslie suspects that it was worn Leslie suspects that it was worn
626 00:32:03,833 00:32:06,276 by someone of very high status, by someone of very high status,
627 00:32:06,300 00:32:09,943 but whether a bishop or a king, we just don't know. but whether a bishop or a king, we just don't know.
628 00:32:09,967 00:32:11,476 The other question I really need to ask, obviously, The other question I really need to ask, obviously,
629 00:32:11,500 00:32:13,376 is how do you think it was made? is how do you think it was made?
630 00:32:13,400 00:32:16,609 Well, if I can seize it from you and get a closer look. Well, if I can seize it from you and get a closer look.
631 00:32:16,633 00:32:18,576 It is absolutely superb. It is absolutely superb.
632 00:32:18,600 00:32:20,043 I mean, what we've got I mean, what we've got
633 00:32:20,067 00:32:25,743 are four little animal creatures with pointy ears, long snouts. are four little animal creatures with pointy ears, long snouts.
634 00:32:25,767 00:32:27,743 We've got little staring eyes, We've got little staring eyes,
635 00:32:27,767 00:32:30,809 so it does look quite wolflike, I think, or houndlike. so it does look quite wolflike, I think, or houndlike.
636 00:32:30,833 00:32:32,676 Now, the filigree's also wonderful. Now, the filigree's also wonderful.
637 00:32:32,700 00:32:35,909 It's so fine, and this lovely plaited work It's so fine, and this lovely plaited work
638 00:32:35,933 00:32:38,809 'round the outside here, very, very delicate. 'round the outside here, very, very delicate.
639 00:32:38,833 00:32:41,076 Again, that's quite an early-ish feature. Again, that's quite an early-ish feature.
640 00:32:41,100 00:32:43,043 The craftsmanship is just magnificent. The craftsmanship is just magnificent.
641 00:32:43,067 00:32:45,676 I can't believe that it's survived I can't believe that it's survived
642 00:32:45,700 00:32:48,376 in such amazing condition. in such amazing condition.
643 00:32:48,400 00:32:50,743 It's a very imposing, monumental ring, It's a very imposing, monumental ring,
644 00:32:50,767 00:32:55,597 and in its whole character and style, it is unique. and in its whole character and style, it is unique.
645 00:33:09,433 00:33:12,843 Perhaps what's most interesting about this process Perhaps what's most interesting about this process
646 00:33:12,867 00:33:16,043 of the re-Christianization of Britain of the re-Christianization of Britain
647 00:33:16,067 00:33:20,376 is that it's not one neat, linear story. is that it's not one neat, linear story.
648 00:33:20,400 00:33:24,876 Various missionaries arrived at different times from overseas, Various missionaries arrived at different times from overseas,
649 00:33:24,900 00:33:28,743 preaching the religions of the Celtic and Roman churches preaching the religions of the Celtic and Roman churches
650 00:33:28,767 00:33:34,067 and attempting the conversion of the pagan Anglo-Saxon kings. and attempting the conversion of the pagan Anglo-Saxon kings.
651 00:33:39,233 00:33:42,176 According to Bede, the Northumbrian King Oswald According to Bede, the Northumbrian King Oswald
652 00:33:42,200 00:33:44,876 brought Christianity to his people. brought Christianity to his people.
653 00:33:44,900 00:33:48,543 He called for a missionary to come from the Irish monastery He called for a missionary to come from the Irish monastery
654 00:33:48,567 00:33:52,443 on the island of Iona to convert his people. on the island of Iona to convert his people.
655 00:33:52,467 00:33:54,309 And when the monk Aidan arrived, And when the monk Aidan arrived,
656 00:33:54,333 00:33:58,743 Oswald granted him land to build a monastery on Lindisfarne, Oswald granted him land to build a monastery on Lindisfarne,
657 00:33:58,767 00:34:03,497 over there, and the island became a cradle of Christianity. over there, and the island became a cradle of Christianity.
658 00:34:05,400 00:34:08,643 This was the golden age of Northumbria. This was the golden age of Northumbria.
659 00:34:08,667 00:34:11,476 The royal capital of Bamburgh would have been a magnet The royal capital of Bamburgh would have been a magnet
660 00:34:11,500 00:34:13,476 for people from across the kingdom, for people from across the kingdom,
661 00:34:13,500 00:34:15,609 perhaps from across the world, perhaps from across the world,
662 00:34:15,633 00:34:20,703 who came here seeking fame, glory, and gainful employment. who came here seeking fame, glory, and gainful employment.
663 00:34:24,433 00:34:25,909 12 years ago, 12 years ago,
664 00:34:25,933 00:34:29,509 archaeologists located an extensive burial ground archaeologists located an extensive burial ground
665 00:34:29,533 00:34:31,673 right next to the castle. right next to the castle.
666 00:34:32,633 00:34:34,043 Buried beneath the sand dunes Buried beneath the sand dunes
667 00:34:34,067 00:34:36,276 were the remains of the residents were the remains of the residents
668 00:34:36,300 00:34:38,970 of the Anglo-Saxon fortress of Bamburgh. of the Anglo-Saxon fortress of Bamburgh.
669 00:34:40,067 00:34:42,543 100 skeletons were removed, 100 skeletons were removed,
670 00:34:42,567 00:34:44,243 just a portion of the total number just a portion of the total number
671 00:34:44,267 00:34:48,409 believed to be buried there, and taken to Durham University believed to be buried there, and taken to Durham University
672 00:34:48,433 00:34:50,809 for extensive analysis and research. for extensive analysis and research.
673 00:34:50,833 00:34:54,343 I'm an osteologist, someone who studies human bones, I'm an osteologist, someone who studies human bones,
674 00:34:54,367 00:34:57,576 so I know how much these physical remains can reveal so I know how much these physical remains can reveal
675 00:34:57,600 00:35:00,209 about the lives of past people. about the lives of past people.
676 00:35:00,233 00:35:02,109 Archaeologists can tell a certain amount Archaeologists can tell a certain amount
677 00:35:02,133 00:35:03,443 about ancient lifestyles about ancient lifestyles
678 00:35:03,467 00:35:06,676 by looking at objects that people have left behind, by looking at objects that people have left behind,
679 00:35:06,700 00:35:08,776 but long after we die, but long after we die,
680 00:35:08,800 00:35:13,870 our bones hold an enormous amount of information about us. our bones hold an enormous amount of information about us.
681 00:35:14,700 00:35:18,043 Dr. Sarah Groves was involved in the excavations at Bamburgh Dr. Sarah Groves was involved in the excavations at Bamburgh
682 00:35:18,067 00:35:19,709 as a student as a student
683 00:35:19,733 00:35:23,109 and has been analyzing the skeletons ever since. and has been analyzing the skeletons ever since.
684 00:35:23,133 00:35:25,743 Her findings, due to be published next year, Her findings, due to be published next year,
685 00:35:25,767 00:35:28,176 reveal some fascinating observations reveal some fascinating observations
686 00:35:28,200 00:35:30,070 about the community living there. about the community living there.
687 00:35:32,467 00:35:33,943 The vast majority of the population The vast majority of the population
688 00:35:33,967 00:35:35,609 did have quite bad teeth. did have quite bad teeth.
689 00:35:35,633 00:35:38,176 Almost every individual, adults and children alike, Almost every individual, adults and children alike,
690 00:35:38,200 00:35:40,943 had calculus on some of their teeth, at least, had calculus on some of their teeth, at least,
691 00:35:40,967 00:35:43,076 and a really high proportion of them had caries, as well, and a really high proportion of them had caries, as well,
692 00:35:43,100 00:35:46,376 so that's tooth decay, like this individual here. so that's tooth decay, like this individual here.
693 00:35:46,400 00:35:47,809 That hole's massive. That hole's massive.
694 00:35:47,833 00:35:52,209 It's taken away almost the entire top of the root there. It's taken away almost the entire top of the root there.
695 00:35:52,233 00:35:53,876 Just hanging on to the crown. Just hanging on to the crown.
696 00:35:53,900 00:35:55,609 And the tooth next to it's completely gone. And the tooth next to it's completely gone.
697 00:35:55,633 00:35:57,276 All we've got left is the roots remaining there. All we've got left is the roots remaining there.
698 00:35:57,300 00:35:58,443 Yeah. Yeah.
699 00:35:58,467 00:36:01,476 We all know the pain of toothache, We all know the pain of toothache,
700 00:36:01,500 00:36:03,043 and these people didn't have modern drugs and these people didn't have modern drugs
701 00:36:03,067 00:36:05,467 or dentists to ease their pain. or dentists to ease their pain.
702 00:36:08,200 00:36:10,376 So, why do you think there were such high rates So, why do you think there were such high rates
703 00:36:10,400 00:36:13,109 of tooth decay and gum disease in this population? of tooth decay and gum disease in this population?
704 00:36:13,133 00:36:14,709 Well, it's got to be something to do with the diet Well, it's got to be something to do with the diet
705 00:36:14,733 00:36:16,043 that they're eating. that they're eating.
706 00:36:16,067 00:36:17,676 Because it's affecting the whole population, Because it's affecting the whole population,
707 00:36:17,700 00:36:19,876 so they must be eating something in their diet so they must be eating something in their diet
708 00:36:19,900 00:36:24,076 which is making them more prone to having these dental diseases. which is making them more prone to having these dental diseases.
709 00:36:24,100 00:36:25,509 And what could that be? And what could that be?
710 00:36:25,533 00:36:28,076 Well, I think that they must be eating quite a lot of meat, Well, I think that they must be eating quite a lot of meat,
711 00:36:28,100 00:36:30,309 and we're seeing that from the archaeological material, and we're seeing that from the archaeological material,
712 00:36:30,333 00:36:33,576 and also eating a lot of flour, which is quite starchy and also eating a lot of flour, which is quite starchy
713 00:36:33,600 00:36:35,743 and leads to sugars building up in the mouth. and leads to sugars building up in the mouth.
714 00:36:35,767 00:36:39,676 And also things like beer and wine and mead, And also things like beer and wine and mead,
715 00:36:39,700 00:36:41,309 all of which are quite sugary, all of which are quite sugary,
716 00:36:41,333 00:36:43,143 and if you're drinking a lot of drinks like that, and if you're drinking a lot of drinks like that,
717 00:36:43,167 00:36:44,876 then that can also lead to tooth decay. then that can also lead to tooth decay.
718 00:36:44,900 00:36:47,609 So, rather bizarrely, these atrocious teeth So, rather bizarrely, these atrocious teeth
719 00:36:47,633 00:36:50,343 are telling us that these people had quite a luxurious lifestyle? are telling us that these people had quite a luxurious lifestyle?
720 00:36:50,367 00:36:52,209 Potentially, yeah. Potentially, yeah.
721 00:36:52,233 00:36:54,609 And very rarely, the stories told And very rarely, the stories told
722 00:36:54,633 00:36:57,209 by individual skeletons contain clues by individual skeletons contain clues
723 00:36:57,233 00:37:00,073 about the way these people interacted with each other. about the way these people interacted with each other.
724 00:37:02,233 00:37:05,209 So is this a young person, a juvenile? So is this a young person, a juvenile?
725 00:37:05,233 00:37:08,276 It's a young person, but I don't think it's really a juvenile. It's a young person, but I don't think it's really a juvenile.
726 00:37:08,300 00:37:10,176 If you look at the state of fusion, If you look at the state of fusion,
727 00:37:10,200 00:37:13,109 it could be an individual who's between 10 and 16 years. it could be an individual who's between 10 and 16 years.
728 00:37:13,133 00:37:16,576 So looking here, the end of the radius in the forearm, So looking here, the end of the radius in the forearm,
729 00:37:16,600 00:37:18,343 that's still completely separate, that's still completely separate,
730 00:37:18,367 00:37:19,943 and the ends of these finger bones, as well, and the ends of these finger bones, as well,
731 00:37:19,967 00:37:22,043 are still separate. are still separate.
732 00:37:22,067 00:37:24,043 But if you come up here and look at the teeth, But if you come up here and look at the teeth,
733 00:37:24,067 00:37:26,109 you can see that actually you can see that actually
734 00:37:26,133 00:37:28,173 they've got quite an adult dentition. they've got quite an adult dentition.
735 00:37:29,300 00:37:32,209 Do these teeth really belong with this skeleton? Do these teeth really belong with this skeleton?
736 00:37:32,233 00:37:34,943 They do, and if I hadn't been there during the excavation, They do, and if I hadn't been there during the excavation,
737 00:37:34,967 00:37:36,643 I would have asked some questions I would have asked some questions
738 00:37:36,667 00:37:38,609 about whether the skull did belong with the body. about whether the skull did belong with the body.
739 00:37:38,633 00:37:39,909 But it really does. But it really does.
740 00:37:39,933 00:37:42,643 So we're looking at somebody who, from their teeth, So we're looking at somebody who, from their teeth,
741 00:37:42,667 00:37:46,476 looks as though they're in their late teens, early twenties, looks as though they're in their late teens, early twenties,
742 00:37:46,500 00:37:48,243 but from the rest of their bones but from the rest of their bones
743 00:37:48,267 00:37:50,176 looks as though they're a child still. looks as though they're a child still.
744 00:37:50,200 00:37:54,143 A picture was emerging of a seriously disabled young man A picture was emerging of a seriously disabled young man
745 00:37:54,167 00:37:57,743 whose skeleton was ravaged by a debilitating condition. whose skeleton was ravaged by a debilitating condition.
746 00:37:57,767 00:37:59,709 And if you go right down there to the knee, And if you go right down there to the knee,
747 00:37:59,733 00:38:03,476 you can see this right knee is really abnormal. you can see this right knee is really abnormal.
748 00:38:03,500 00:38:04,743 That's very odd. That's very odd.
749 00:38:04,767 00:38:07,576 If I pick up the left knee, as well, for comparison, If I pick up the left knee, as well, for comparison,
750 00:38:07,600 00:38:08,643 it just looks odd, doesn't it? it just looks odd, doesn't it?
751 00:38:08,667 00:38:09,743 It's very flared. It's very flared.
752 00:38:09,767 00:38:12,043 The knee joint is so malformed The knee joint is so malformed
753 00:38:12,067 00:38:14,427 that it probably would've caused them problems with walking. that it probably would've caused them problems with walking.
754 00:38:15,567 00:38:19,876 So this person had a congenital problem. So this person had a congenital problem.
755 00:38:19,900 00:38:22,109 They're very short. They're very short.
756 00:38:22,133 00:38:24,043 They probably look slightly deformed, as well, They probably look slightly deformed, as well,
757 00:38:24,067 00:38:26,343 but they're being buried in this high-status cemetery. but they're being buried in this high-status cemetery.
758 00:38:26,367 00:38:28,409 Yeah, and you can imagine that this is somebody Yeah, and you can imagine that this is somebody
759 00:38:28,433 00:38:31,243 who's potentially had to be cared for throughout their life. who's potentially had to be cared for throughout their life.
760 00:38:31,267 00:38:33,876 And yet they've still managed to reach early adulthood. And yet they've still managed to reach early adulthood.
761 00:38:33,900 00:38:36,443 So it suggests that as the population, So it suggests that as the population,
762 00:38:36,467 00:38:38,709 their family, their friends, are looking out for them, their family, their friends, are looking out for them,
763 00:38:38,733 00:38:42,043 they're looking after them and affording them all the dignity they're looking after them and affording them all the dignity
764 00:38:42,067 00:38:44,343 in burial that everybody else in the cemetery was given. in burial that everybody else in the cemetery was given.
765 00:38:44,367 00:38:46,576 So it really shows you that this is a community So it really shows you that this is a community
766 00:38:46,600 00:38:49,909 so much like us now, you know, caring for our sick, so much like us now, you know, caring for our sick,
767 00:38:49,933 00:38:52,209 for our young people, for our elderly, for our young people, for our elderly,
768 00:38:52,233 00:38:53,903 and for people with disabilities. and for people with disabilities.
769 00:38:59,800 00:39:03,109 What's emerging is a different picture than we might expect What's emerging is a different picture than we might expect
770 00:39:03,133 00:39:05,443 of these so-called barbarians. of these so-called barbarians.
771 00:39:05,467 00:39:09,043 We're starting to see them as people like us, We're starting to see them as people like us,
772 00:39:09,067 00:39:12,409 members of families with friends and loved ones, members of families with friends and loved ones,
773 00:39:12,433 00:39:13,843 and this isn't just the perspective and this isn't just the perspective
774 00:39:13,867 00:39:15,543 that we're getting at Banburgh. that we're getting at Banburgh.
775 00:39:15,567 00:39:17,943 300 miles away to the southwest, 300 miles away to the southwest,
776 00:39:17,967 00:39:21,043 Mark Horton has been researching a wonderful story Mark Horton has been researching a wonderful story
777 00:39:21,067 00:39:26,267 of Anglo-Saxon royalty and a Wessex princess in love. of Anglo-Saxon royalty and a Wessex princess in love.
778 00:39:31,367 00:39:34,343 Inside Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire Inside Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire
779 00:39:34,367 00:39:38,376 is a tomb dedicated to the first king of all England, is a tomb dedicated to the first king of all England,
780 00:39:38,400 00:39:40,070 Athelstan. Athelstan.
781 00:39:41,433 00:39:44,776 Athelstan, remarkably for his period, Athelstan, remarkably for his period,
782 00:39:44,800 00:39:47,609 was not just somebody who wanted to expand was not just somebody who wanted to expand
783 00:39:47,633 00:39:50,376 the frontiers of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom, the frontiers of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom,
784 00:39:50,400 00:39:54,443 but also wanted to create alliances with Europe. but also wanted to create alliances with Europe.
785 00:39:54,467 00:39:58,043 And he systematically married off his sisters And he systematically married off his sisters
786 00:39:58,067 00:40:03,409 to all sorts of European rulers and princes and dukes. to all sorts of European rulers and princes and dukes.
787 00:40:03,433 00:40:05,243 The most successful alliance The most successful alliance
788 00:40:05,267 00:40:09,109 was between his sister Edith and Otto of Germany. was between his sister Edith and Otto of Germany.
789 00:40:09,133 00:40:11,976 Not only was this a politically astute move, Not only was this a politically astute move,
790 00:40:12,000 00:40:15,809 but it also proved to be a great love affair. but it also proved to be a great love affair.
791 00:40:15,833 00:40:19,043 Edith captured the imagination not only of Otto, Edith captured the imagination not only of Otto,
792 00:40:19,067 00:40:22,309 but also his court and the people around her, but also his court and the people around her,
793 00:40:22,333 00:40:24,776 because she was clearly stunningly beautiful. because she was clearly stunningly beautiful.
794 00:40:24,800 00:40:29,709 We know that Otto was very much devoted to her. We know that Otto was very much devoted to her.
795 00:40:29,733 00:40:34,543 He gave Magdeburg as a dowry, this town on the frontier, He gave Magdeburg as a dowry, this town on the frontier,
796 00:40:34,567 00:40:35,943 where she ended up being buried where she ended up being buried
797 00:40:35,967 00:40:38,967 and where Otto himself ended up being buried later on. and where Otto himself ended up being buried later on.
798 00:40:39,767 00:40:43,609 During recent excavations in Magdeburg Cathedral in Germany, During recent excavations in Magdeburg Cathedral in Germany,
799 00:40:43,633 00:40:45,776 archaeologists set about exploring archaeologists set about exploring
800 00:40:45,800 00:40:50,170 a 16th-century sarcophagus dedicated to Edith. a 16th-century sarcophagus dedicated to Edith.
801 00:40:50,233 00:40:51,609 It was thought to be a cenotaph. It was thought to be a cenotaph.
802 00:40:51,633 00:40:53,443 It was thought to be an empty tomb. It was thought to be an empty tomb.
803 00:40:53,467 00:40:58,327 But actually, inside was found a lead casket. But actually, inside was found a lead casket.
804 00:40:59,367 00:41:02,343 And in that was an inscription that said, And in that was an inscription that said,
805 00:41:02,367 00:41:04,743 "These are the remains of Queen Edith "These are the remains of Queen Edith
806 00:41:04,767 00:41:09,143 that were placed here in the year 1510." that were placed here in the year 1510."
807 00:41:09,167 00:41:13,143 But in the Middle Ages, people constantly moved bones around. But in the Middle Ages, people constantly moved bones around.
808 00:41:13,167 00:41:17,276 Relics was big business, so we really had to be certain Relics was big business, so we really had to be certain
809 00:41:17,300 00:41:19,776 that the bones were those of Edith that the bones were those of Edith
810 00:41:19,800 00:41:22,809 and not come random person that had been scooped up and not come random person that had been scooped up
811 00:41:22,833 00:41:25,873 in order to give this tomb some credibility. in order to give this tomb some credibility.
812 00:41:26,833 00:41:28,643 If these were her remains, If these were her remains,
813 00:41:28,667 00:41:31,509 it would be an extremely significant find, it would be an extremely significant find,
814 00:41:31,533 00:41:35,309 providing a direct link to the first king of England, providing a direct link to the first king of England,
815 00:41:35,333 00:41:37,043 Athelstan. Athelstan.
816 00:41:37,067 00:41:41,867 And only science can help us determine whose body this is. And only science can help us determine whose body this is.
817 00:41:47,667 00:41:50,043 Two of the teeth found within the coffin Two of the teeth found within the coffin
818 00:41:50,067 00:41:53,327 were sent off to be analyzed at Bristol University. were sent off to be analyzed at Bristol University.
819 00:41:54,133 00:41:56,043 Dr. Alistair Pike Dr. Alistair Pike
820 00:41:56,067 00:41:58,509 planned to measure strontium isotopes in the teeth planned to measure strontium isotopes in the teeth
821 00:41:58,533 00:42:02,073 to find out where this individual grew up. to find out where this individual grew up.
822 00:42:02,767 00:42:07,509 Strontium is found in soil and absorbed by plants and animals. Strontium is found in soil and absorbed by plants and animals.
823 00:42:07,533 00:42:10,209 It finds its way into the bones and teeth It finds its way into the bones and teeth
824 00:42:10,233 00:42:11,833 of the people who eat them. of the people who eat them.
825 00:42:12,900 00:42:15,143 Because teeth form during childhood, Because teeth form during childhood,
826 00:42:15,167 00:42:17,176 the strontium found in dental enamel the strontium found in dental enamel
827 00:42:17,200 00:42:21,076 reflects where a person was born and raised. reflects where a person was born and raised.
828 00:42:21,100 00:42:24,709 And in Edith's case, this would have been in Wessex, And in Edith's case, this would have been in Wessex,
829 00:42:24,733 00:42:29,243 the royal kingdom at the heart of an emerging England. the royal kingdom at the heart of an emerging England.
830 00:42:29,267 00:42:31,376 As far as Alistair's concerned, As far as Alistair's concerned,
831 00:42:31,400 00:42:35,370 the results from the Magdeburg tomb are conclusive. the results from the Magdeburg tomb are conclusive.
832 00:42:36,067 00:42:38,876 I think that we can be 99% certain I think that we can be 99% certain
833 00:42:38,900 00:42:42,043 that we have the remains of Princess Edith, that we have the remains of Princess Edith,
834 00:42:42,067 00:42:44,476 partly because the archaeological evidence suggests partly because the archaeological evidence suggests
835 00:42:44,500 00:42:45,909 she's of the correct age, she's of the correct age,
836 00:42:45,933 00:42:47,609 but using the strontium isotopes, but using the strontium isotopes,
837 00:42:47,633 00:42:50,076 we can show that the results are consistent we can show that the results are consistent
838 00:42:50,100 00:42:53,176 with someone who's been brought up on the kind of geology with someone who's been brought up on the kind of geology
839 00:42:53,200 00:42:54,943 that surrounds the Winchester area, that surrounds the Winchester area,
840 00:42:54,967 00:42:56,709 which is what the historical accounts suggest which is what the historical accounts suggest
841 00:42:56,733 00:42:58,303 Princess Edith did. Princess Edith did.
842 00:42:59,233 00:43:02,343 Although Edith died over 1,000 years ago, Although Edith died over 1,000 years ago,
843 00:43:02,367 00:43:03,843 she remains proof she remains proof
844 00:43:03,867 00:43:06,643 of our timeless fascination with princesses. of our timeless fascination with princesses.
845 00:43:06,667 00:43:09,509 She came back to England in a way that, in her lifetime, She came back to England in a way that, in her lifetime,
846 00:43:09,533 00:43:11,109 she would never have expected to do, she would never have expected to do,
847 00:43:11,133 00:43:14,476 and she was an exceptional lady and she was an exceptional lady
848 00:43:14,500 00:43:18,609 and somebody who really is at the fountainhead and somebody who really is at the fountainhead
849 00:43:18,633 00:43:20,676 of sort of modern Europe, of sort of modern Europe,
850 00:43:20,700 00:43:23,643 whose blood probably runs in the veins whose blood probably runs in the veins
851 00:43:23,667 00:43:25,967 of most royal families in Europe today. of most royal families in Europe today.
852 00:43:26,900 00:43:30,143 If Edith's bones tell a royal love story, If Edith's bones tell a royal love story,
853 00:43:30,167 00:43:33,176 the skeleton of one young man from Bamburgh the skeleton of one young man from Bamburgh
854 00:43:33,200 00:43:36,643 encapsulates the violence of the Anglo-Saxon years encapsulates the violence of the Anglo-Saxon years
855 00:43:36,667 00:43:39,497 and bears witness to his untimely death. and bears witness to his untimely death.
856 00:43:41,400 00:43:43,876 This is his left arm. It's part of his left shoulder. This is his left arm. It's part of his left shoulder.
857 00:43:43,900 00:43:47,043 You can see that this has been sliced away You can see that this has been sliced away
858 00:43:47,067 00:43:48,443 across the top of the shoulder. across the top of the shoulder.
859 00:43:48,467 00:43:51,309 And this is something which has happened in life, And this is something which has happened in life,
860 00:43:51,333 00:43:52,709 rather than something which has happened rather than something which has happened
861 00:43:52,733 00:43:54,209 - to the bones in the ground. - Yeah, definitely. - to the bones in the ground. - Yeah, definitely.
862 00:43:54,233 00:43:56,509 You can see if I put the rest of the shoulder together there You can see if I put the rest of the shoulder together there
863 00:43:56,533 00:43:59,376 that we've got another piece of bone which has been sliced away. that we've got another piece of bone which has been sliced away.
864 00:43:59,400 00:44:01,276 So this has happened while these two bones So this has happened while these two bones
865 00:44:01,300 00:44:03,243 were actually still together as a joint. were actually still together as a joint.
866 00:44:03,267 00:44:05,209 Something has sliced through them. Something has sliced through them.
867 00:44:05,233 00:44:06,443 Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, absolutely.
868 00:44:06,467 00:44:09,076 So that's been a cut across his shoulder there. So that's been a cut across his shoulder there.
869 00:44:09,100 00:44:11,843 And you can see here on the pelvis, And you can see here on the pelvis,
870 00:44:11,867 00:44:14,276 a great big slice of bone has been completely cut away. a great big slice of bone has been completely cut away.
871 00:44:14,300 00:44:16,109 Oh, my goodness, yeah, yeah. Oh, my goodness, yeah, yeah.
872 00:44:16,133 00:44:17,643 Cleaved right across. Cleaved right across.
873 00:44:17,667 00:44:20,643 It has, so that's sliced away It has, so that's sliced away
874 00:44:20,667 00:44:22,276 the front of the pelvis quite cleanly. the front of the pelvis quite cleanly.
875 00:44:22,300 00:44:25,909 Mm, and all the way down to his left knee. Mm, and all the way down to his left knee.
876 00:44:25,933 00:44:27,609 - Really? - Down here. - Really? - Down here.
877 00:44:27,633 00:44:29,943 Again, sliced off right on the left-hand side. Again, sliced off right on the left-hand side.
878 00:44:29,967 00:44:31,343 Really clean slice. Really clean slice.
879 00:44:31,367 00:44:33,909 So it's, again, taken off the side of his knee. So it's, again, taken off the side of his knee.
880 00:44:33,933 00:44:36,943 And this has sliced down the entire left side of his body. And this has sliced down the entire left side of his body.
881 00:44:36,967 00:44:38,043 Yeah, it's really exciting Yeah, it's really exciting
882 00:44:38,067 00:44:39,343 because it gives us the possibility because it gives us the possibility
883 00:44:39,367 00:44:41,409 of even reconstructing how he was standing of even reconstructing how he was standing
884 00:44:41,433 00:44:42,643 when the blow was struck. when the blow was struck.
885 00:44:42,667 00:44:45,143 So because of the way that his shoulder is cut, So because of the way that his shoulder is cut,
886 00:44:45,167 00:44:47,143 we can tell that his arm must have been slightly forward we can tell that his arm must have been slightly forward
887 00:44:47,167 00:44:48,676 and across his body, and across his body,
888 00:44:48,700 00:44:51,076 so he's probably standing in a defensive pose, so he's probably standing in a defensive pose,
889 00:44:51,100 00:44:54,176 so he's actually involved in the fight which happened, so he's actually involved in the fight which happened,
890 00:44:54,200 00:44:55,276 which led to the accident. which led to the accident.
891 00:44:55,300 00:44:57,043 And it's left side, which makes sense And it's left side, which makes sense
892 00:44:57,067 00:44:58,843 if you've got a right-handed aggressor. if you've got a right-handed aggressor.
893 00:44:58,867 00:45:00,409 Yeah, absolutely, yeah. Yeah, absolutely, yeah.
894 00:45:00,433 00:45:02,043 And potentially somebody who's coming And potentially somebody who's coming
895 00:45:02,067 00:45:03,376 from a little bit above him, as well. from a little bit above him, as well.
896 00:45:03,400 00:45:06,209 Do you think that he might have been a warrior? Do you think that he might have been a warrior?
897 00:45:06,233 00:45:07,209 It is possible. It is possible.
898 00:45:07,233 00:45:08,343 Even though he's quite small, Even though he's quite small,
899 00:45:08,367 00:45:11,409 we know that men in the Anglo-Saxon period we know that men in the Anglo-Saxon period
900 00:45:11,433 00:45:12,843 started their careers quite early, started their careers quite early,
901 00:45:12,867 00:45:15,043 so we have evidence for boys as young as 7 so we have evidence for boys as young as 7
902 00:45:15,067 00:45:17,776 being sent to monasteries to train as monks, being sent to monasteries to train as monks,
903 00:45:17,800 00:45:21,843 and we know that the elite started training with weapons and we know that the elite started training with weapons
904 00:45:21,867 00:45:23,209 from quite a young age, as well. from quite a young age, as well.
905 00:45:23,233 00:45:24,509 So from maybe around 7 or 8, So from maybe around 7 or 8,
906 00:45:24,533 00:45:26,643 he might have started learning how to use weapons. he might have started learning how to use weapons.
907 00:45:26,667 00:45:28,876 So this is a young man who had a very tough, So this is a young man who had a very tough,
908 00:45:28,900 00:45:31,570 physically demanding, but very short life. physically demanding, but very short life.
909 00:45:36,333 00:45:38,243 By looking at skeletons like these, By looking at skeletons like these,
910 00:45:38,267 00:45:41,176 we can tell so much more about past societies, we can tell so much more about past societies,
911 00:45:41,200 00:45:44,143 and new technologies are allowing us to get at evidence and new technologies are allowing us to get at evidence
912 00:45:44,167 00:45:47,576 that's locked away inside their bones and teeth that's locked away inside their bones and teeth
913 00:45:47,600 00:45:50,709 about diet or even where they grew up. about diet or even where they grew up.
914 00:45:50,733 00:45:53,176 But when you look at the bones laid out like that, But when you look at the bones laid out like that,
915 00:45:53,200 00:45:55,409 the skeleton of that young man, for instance, the skeleton of that young man, for instance,
916 00:45:55,433 00:45:58,143 who died with that horrific injury, who died with that horrific injury,
917 00:45:58,167 00:46:00,909 you realize there are also much more personal stories you realize there are also much more personal stories
918 00:46:00,933 00:46:02,103 to be told. to be told.
919 00:46:03,967 00:46:06,043 The warrior kings of Northumbria The warrior kings of Northumbria
920 00:46:06,067 00:46:09,609 ruled Bamburgh at sword point for hundreds of years. ruled Bamburgh at sword point for hundreds of years.
921 00:46:09,633 00:46:11,543 And they left us one final reminder And they left us one final reminder
922 00:46:11,567 00:46:15,476 of their turbulent times, almost unrecognizable now. of their turbulent times, almost unrecognizable now.
923 00:46:15,500 00:46:19,800 These swords are the ultimate symbols of Anglo-Saxon power. These swords are the ultimate symbols of Anglo-Saxon power.
924 00:46:20,800 00:46:23,043 These are quite magnificent items, aren't they? These are quite magnificent items, aren't they?
925 00:46:23,067 00:46:25,209 They're both... I mean, obviously they're corroded now, They're both... I mean, obviously they're corroded now,
926 00:46:25,233 00:46:27,509 but when we X-ray them, we can see the deep structure, but when we X-ray them, we can see the deep structure,
927 00:46:27,533 00:46:28,876 and they're pattern-welded, and they're pattern-welded,
928 00:46:28,900 00:46:32,476 which means that they're made out of a series of rods which means that they're made out of a series of rods
929 00:46:32,500 00:46:35,143 welded together, with a blade added to the outside. welded together, with a blade added to the outside.
930 00:46:35,167 00:46:37,143 This one is particularly fine. This one is particularly fine.
931 00:46:37,167 00:46:39,243 You can see that it actually survives. You can see that it actually survives.
932 00:46:39,267 00:46:42,276 There's a lot of metal in it. It's very strong, very coherent. There's a lot of metal in it. It's very strong, very coherent.
933 00:46:42,300 00:46:45,676 This has six billets in the core of the blade. This has six billets in the core of the blade.
934 00:46:45,700 00:46:48,509 So this would've been a high-status sword? So this would've been a high-status sword?
935 00:46:48,533 00:46:52,176 Definitely. I mean, six-stranded swords are very, very rare. Definitely. I mean, six-stranded swords are very, very rare.
936 00:46:52,200 00:46:53,743 There are very few in Western Europe, There are very few in Western Europe,
937 00:46:53,767 00:46:55,676 so the likelihood is that we're looking at something so the likelihood is that we're looking at something
938 00:46:55,700 00:46:58,443 that may even be more than just an aristocratic warrior. that may even be more than just an aristocratic warrior.
939 00:46:58,467 00:47:01,643 This may have been genuinely an heirloom of the royal house. This may have been genuinely an heirloom of the royal house.
940 00:47:01,667 00:47:03,043 It may have been carried by kings. It may have been carried by kings.
941 00:47:03,067 00:47:05,309 And looking at this sword, And looking at this sword,
942 00:47:05,333 00:47:07,776 I can't help but remember back I can't help but remember back
943 00:47:07,800 00:47:10,176 to the skeleton from the cemetery here to the skeleton from the cemetery here
944 00:47:10,200 00:47:12,709 who was obviously a young man, who was obviously a young man,
945 00:47:12,733 00:47:14,343 who died at the hands of somebody who died at the hands of somebody
946 00:47:14,367 00:47:16,067 wielding a weapon just like this. wielding a weapon just like this.
947 00:47:18,433 00:47:22,243 The royal swords, and indeed the entire site of Bamburgh, The royal swords, and indeed the entire site of Bamburgh,
948 00:47:22,267 00:47:25,467 are fitting symbols for the whole of Anglo-Saxon Britain. are fitting symbols for the whole of Anglo-Saxon Britain.
949 00:47:32,367 00:47:35,843 There are still so many unanswered questions, There are still so many unanswered questions,
950 00:47:35,867 00:47:38,076 and the mysteries will remain a challenge and the mysteries will remain a challenge
951 00:47:38,100 00:47:40,909 for archaeologists and historians to unlock for archaeologists and historians to unlock
952 00:47:40,933 00:47:42,903 for many years to come. for many years to come.
953 00:47:43,933 00:47:47,833 But it does offer us tangible connections, too. But it does offer us tangible connections, too.
954 00:47:51,533 00:47:53,773 So what have I learned? So what have I learned?
955 00:47:54,767 00:47:58,043 Well, in many ways, these people were just like us. Well, in many ways, these people were just like us.
956 00:47:58,067 00:48:00,476 They had holes in their teeth. They had holes in their teeth.
957 00:48:00,500 00:48:01,943 Some were healthy, Some were healthy,
958 00:48:01,967 00:48:06,543 others marked by disease and cared for by their communities. others marked by disease and cared for by their communities.
959 00:48:06,567 00:48:10,676 But this was a time of great unrest and violence. But this was a time of great unrest and violence.
960 00:48:10,700 00:48:13,776 Weapons became symbols of status, Weapons became symbols of status,
961 00:48:13,800 00:48:16,243 and people died by the sword. and people died by the sword.
962 00:48:16,267 00:48:17,676 The struggle for power The struggle for power
963 00:48:17,700 00:48:20,643 played out across all levels of society, played out across all levels of society,
964 00:48:20,667 00:48:23,309 and even the dead were co-opted, and even the dead were co-opted,
965 00:48:23,333 00:48:26,576 buried with treasures of gold and precious stones, buried with treasures of gold and precious stones,
966 00:48:26,600 00:48:31,509 whose real value seemed to be as badges of identity. whose real value seemed to be as badges of identity.
967 00:48:31,533 00:48:34,376 These people may not have left us detailed records These people may not have left us detailed records
968 00:48:34,400 00:48:35,809 of their lives, of their lives,
969 00:48:35,833 00:48:39,809 but archaeology is bringing them within our reach. but archaeology is bringing them within our reach.
970 00:48:39,833 00:48:42,073 And the digging goes on. And the digging goes on.