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Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
1,500-year-old bucket was cremation burial vessel, archaeologists say
A 1,500-year-old bucket discovered in England has been identified as an ancient cremation burial vessel, experts said. The 6th-century bucket was found at Sutton Hoo, an archaeological site near Suffolk, England, that is home to two ancient cemeteries. Fragments of the bucket, named the Bromeswell bucket, were first found in 1986. Researchers found more pieces of the relic last year during an excavation by Time Team, a British TV show where archaeologists conduct excavations on-camera. An analysis of the newly-discovered pieces determined that Time Team had found the entire base of the bucket, and that it contained human bone fragments, the National Trust, a U.K.-based conservation organization, said in a news release. The bones included part of an ankle bone and fragments of a skull, which the National Trust said was proof of an "early Anglo-Saxon cremation burial." Angus Wainwright, a National Trust archaeologist, said in the news release that the burial appeared to be "very special," and that researchers will conduct further analysis. There were also animal bones inside the bucket, which is made of copper alloy and is decorated with a hunting scene. The National Trust said the bones were larger than those of a pig, and noted that horses were often included on funeral pyres as a symbol of status during this time. The bones will undergo radiocarbon dating, the National Trust said. "We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times, but it's always been a mystery why it was buried," Wainwright said. "Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community." The bucket was made in the Byzantine Empire and may have been a diplomatic gift or acquired by a mercenary Saxon soldier, the National Trust said. The vessel is decorated with a scene of men armed with swords and shields. The scene also includes lions and dogs. The newest fragments help complete the picture, showing feet, paws, the base of shields and the face of one hunting man. Also inside the bucket was a double-sided comb that the National Trust said was likely made from antler. The agency said its researchers hope ancient DNA can be recovered from the object. The item was not burned in the cremation process, the National Trust noted. The inclusion of such combs in other burial sites suggest that "personal appearance and grooming was important to the Anglo-Saxons." The comb could also have been used to control lice, the trust said. Plant remains were found during the excavation of the bucket pieces. Analysis of those pieces could "reveal more about the climate and seasonality around the time the bucket was buried," the National Trust said. Time Team aired a documentary about the discovery and year-long analysis project earlier in May. The group will conduct more research at Sutton Hoo through mid-June. Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Full interview: Jack McCain on "Face the Nation" Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard
CBS News
4 days ago
- Science
- CBS News
1,500-year-old bucket with human bones found inside was cremation burial vessel, archaeologists say
A 1,500-year-old bucket discovered in England has been identified as an ancient cremation burial vessel, experts said. The 6th-century bucket was found at Sutton Hoo, an archaeological site near Suffolk, England, that is home to two ancient cemeteries. Fragments of the bucket, named the Bromeswell bucket, were first found in 1986. Researchers found more pieces of the relic last year during an excavation by Time Team, a British TV show where archaeologists conduct excavations on-camera. An analysis of the newly-discovered pieces determined that Time Team had found the entire base of the bucket, and that it contained human bone fragments, the National Trust, a U.K.-based conservation organization, said in a news release. The bones included part of an ankle bone and fragments of a skull, which the National Trust said was proof of an "early Anglo-Saxon cremation burial." Some of the pieces of the Bromeswell Bucket on display. David Brunetti, National Trust Images Angus Wainwright, a National Trust archaeologist, said in the news release that the burial appeared to be "very special," and that researchers will conduct further analysis. There were also animal bones inside the bucket, which is made of copper alloy and is decorated with a hunting scene. The National Trust said the bones were larger than those of a pig, and noted that horses were often included on funeral pyres as a symbol of status during this time. The bones will undergo radiocarbon dating, the National Trust said. "We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times, but it's always been a mystery why it was buried," Wainwright said. "Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community." The bucket base, with bone fragments and the double-sided comb to the left. FAS Heritage The bucket was made in the Byzantine Empire and may have been a diplomatic gift or acquired by a mercenary Saxon soldier, the National Trust said. The vessel is decorated with a scene of men armed with swords and shields. The scene also includes lions and dogs. The newest fragments help complete the picture, showing feet, paws, the base of shields and the face of one hunting man. Also inside the bucket was a double-sided comb that the National Trust said was likely made from antler. The agency said its researchers hope ancient DNA can be recovered from the object. The item was not burned in the cremation process, the National Trust noted. The inclusion of such combs in other burial sites suggest that "personal appearance and grooming was important to the Anglo-Saxons." The comb could also have been used to control lice, the trust said. Plant remains were found during the excavation of the bucket pieces. Analysis of those pieces could "reveal more about the climate and seasonality around the time the bucket was buried," the National Trust said. Time Team aired a documentary about the discovery and year-long analysis project earlier in May. The group will conduct more research at Sutton Hoo through mid-June.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- The Sun
Prized ‘Bucket of Death' was stuffed with remains of ‘dead VIP' in bombshell Anglo Saxon Sutton Hoo discovery
A MYSTERIOUS bucket found at Sutton Hoo in 1986 was stuffed with the remains of a dead VIP, archaeologists believe. This "bucket of death" contains the cremated remnants of both human and animal bones – solving a decades-old mystery. 8 8 8 Archaeologists say that the human remains found inside the posh Byzantine bucket belonged to an "important person". The so-called Bromeswell Bucket was discovered at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, an archaeological treasure trove with two major Anglo-Saxon burial sites dating back around 1,500 years. The site is famous for its undisturbed ship burial, which was found back in 1938. Pieces of the copper-alloy bucket have been unearthed over the decades, with a fresh discovery last year. The latest find was made by TV show Time Team working with the National Trust and FA Heritage. "Because of its proximity to fragments discovered much earlier, we had hoped this year's dig would yield more of the Bromeswell Bucket," said Angus Wainwright, of the National Trust. "Which originated from the Byzantine empire in the 6th century – around a hundred years before the ship and its extraordinary treasure was put to rest." Wainwright continued: "Thanks to closer inspection, we now believe that the bucket had been previously damaged and then repaired. "In-depth analysis of the metals suggest it might even have been soldered back together." The bucket contains a "very norther, very Germanic cremation", according to Time Team archaeologist Helen Geake. 'Once in a century' Pompeii discovery as ancient luxury SPA is saved from ashes with thermal baths & stunning mosaic "It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo - it has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials," she told the BBC. DIG IN! The discovery was made at Garden Field, which has now been fully metal detected. All of the items found at the site have been recorded in 3D and will be processed – so more discoveries might be on the horizon. The bucket itself has been a longstanding mystery for scientists. 8 8 8 It's decorated with a mysterious hunting scene that depicts naked warriors fighting with lions. And it has an inscription in Greek that says: "Use this in good health, Master Count, for many happy years". The latest dig unearthed the base of the bucket, which was packed with cremated remains. "We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times, but it's always been a mystery why it was buried," Wainwright said. 8 "Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community. "I'm hopeful that further analysis will uncover more information about this very special burial." DECADES-LONG MYSTERY The bucket has been found in several parts, with the first discovery made in 1986. More parts were unearthed in 2012, with a fresh lot discovered in the latest Time Team digs. SUTTON HOO EXPLAINED Here's what you need to know... Sutton Hoo is an important archaeological site. It's the location of Anglo-Saxon cemeteries dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The site is located near Woodbridge in Suffolk, UK. Excavations began in 1938 with the discovery of a ship burial packed with Anglo-Saxon treasures. Countless artefacts have been found at the site since then – with treasures still turning up today. The name Sutton Hoo comes from Old English with Sutton meaning "southern farmstead" and Hoo referring to "shaped like a heel spur". Picture Credit: Getty Images The bucket's base contained a burned comb with remarkably well-preserved teeth. Archaeologists believe it was likely made from an antler belonging to a deer. The human remains are believed to belong to a high-status individual, while the cremated animal bones have been linked to an animal that's "larger than a pig", like a horse. This may have been a way of showcasing the elite status of the person whose remains were stored in the bucket. 8 Human remains include parts of a skull and ankle bone. Details on the age and sex of the individual haven't been revealed, by archaeologists hope to probe the comb for long-lost DNA that may shed light on the person inside the bucket. "This year's dig has been fantastic, and we've really been able to piece together part of a 40-year mystery and unearth a new chapter in the Sutton Hoo story," said Time Team creator Tim Taylor.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Prized ‘Bucket of Death' was stuffed with remains of ‘dead VIP' in bombshell Anglo Saxon Sutton Hoo discovery
That's not the only impressive find inside the bucket either KICKED THE BUCKET Prized 'Bucket of Death' was stuffed with remains of 'dead VIP' in bombshell Anglo Saxon Sutton Hoo discovery Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MYSTERIOUS bucket found at Sutton Hoo in 1986 was stuffed with the remains of a dead VIP, archaeologists believe. This "bucket of death" contains the cremated remnants of both human and animal bones – solving a decades-old mystery. 8 The Bromeswell bucket is a Byzantine copper-alloy contained that was stuffed with human remains Credit: PA 8 The 'Bucket of Death' is remarkably well preserved despite dating back 1,400 to 1,500 years Credit: PA 8 Archaeologists unearthed the base of the bucket in the most recent discovery at Sutton Hoo Credit: FAS Heritage Archaeologists say that the human remains found inside the posh Byzantine bucket belonged to an "important person". The so-called Bromeswell Bucket was discovered at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, an archaeological treasure trove with two major Anglo-Saxon burial sites dating back around 1,500 years. The site is famous for its undisturbed ship burial, which was found back in 1938. Pieces of the copper-alloy bucket have been unearthed over the decades, with a fresh discovery last year. Read more on archaeology STRUCK GOLD Breakthrough as ring unlocking secrets of 'vanished' kingdom is unearthed in UK The latest find was made by TV show Time Team working with the National Trust and FA Heritage. "Because of its proximity to fragments discovered much earlier, we had hoped this year's dig would yield more of the Bromeswell Bucket," said Angus Wainwright, of the National Trust. "Which originated from the Byzantine empire in the 6th century – around a hundred years before the ship and its extraordinary treasure was put to rest." Wainwright continued: "Thanks to closer inspection, we now believe that the bucket had been previously damaged and then repaired. "In-depth analysis of the metals suggest it might even have been soldered back together." The bucket contains a "very norther, very Germanic cremation", according to Time Team archaeologist Helen Geake. 'Once in a century' Pompeii discovery as ancient luxury SPA is saved from ashes with thermal baths & stunning mosaic "It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo - it has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials," she told the BBC. DIG IN! The discovery was made at Garden Field, which has now been fully metal detected. All of the items found at the site have been recorded in 3D and will be processed – so more discoveries might be on the horizon. The bucket itself has been a longstanding mystery for scientists. 8 Sutton Hoo is an iconic archaeological site in Britain, and is the location of a well-preserved Anglo Saxon ship burial Credit: Getty - Contributor 8 This replica shows an Anglo Saxon helmet like the ones found at Sutton Hoo Credit: PA:Press Association 8 Replicas of the treasures found at Sutton Hoo show the craftsmanship of the people who used the site in Anglo Saxon times Credit: PA:Press Association It's decorated with a mysterious hunting scene that depicts naked warriors fighting with lions. And it has an inscription in Greek that says: "Use this in good health, Master Count, for many happy years". The latest dig unearthed the base of the bucket, which was packed with cremated remains. "We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times, but it's always been a mystery why it was buried," Wainwright said. 8 Archaeologists have even recreated a replica of the Anglo Saxon burial ship found at Sutton Hoo Credit: Alamy "Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community. "I'm hopeful that further analysis will uncover more information about this very special burial." DECADES-LONG MYSTERY The bucket has been found in several parts, with the first discovery made in 1986. More parts were unearthed in 2012, with a fresh lot discovered in the latest Time Team digs. SUTTON HOO EXPLAINED Here's what you need to know... Sutton Hoo is an important archaeological site. It's the location of Anglo-Saxon cemeteries dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The site is located near Woodbridge in Suffolk, UK. Excavations began in 1938 with the discovery of a ship burial packed with Anglo-Saxon treasures. Countless artefacts have been found at the site since then – with treasures still turning up today. The name Sutton Hoo comes from Old English with Sutton meaning "southern farmstead" and Hoo referring to "shaped like a heel spur". Picture Credit: Getty Images The bucket's base contained a burned comb with remarkably well-preserved teeth. Archaeologists believe it was likely made from an antler belonging to a deer. The human remains are believed to belong to a high-status individual, while the cremated animal bones have been linked to an animal that's "larger than a pig", like a horse. This may have been a way of showcasing the elite status of the person whose remains were stored in the bucket. 8 Sutton Hoo is the site of Anglo Saxon burial mounds Credit: Alamy Human remains include parts of a skull and ankle bone. Details on the age and sex of the individual haven't been revealed, by archaeologists hope to probe the comb for long-lost DNA that may shed light on the person inside the bucket. "This year's dig has been fantastic, and we've really been able to piece together part of a 40-year mystery and unearth a new chapter in the Sutton Hoo story," said Time Team creator Tim Taylor. He described Sutton Hoo as "England's Valley of the Kings'."
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Prized ‘Bucket of Death' was stuffed with remains of ‘dead VIP' in bombshell Anglo Saxon Sutton Hoo discovery
A MYSTERIOUS bucket found at Sutton Hoo in 1986 was stuffed with the remains of a dead VIP, archaeologists believe. This "bucket of death" contains the cremated remnants of both human and animal bones – solving a decades-old mystery. Advertisement 8 The Bromeswell bucket is a Byzantine copper-alloy contained that was stuffed with human remains Credit: PA 8 The 'Bucket of Death' is remarkably well preserved despite dating back 1,400 to 1,500 years Credit: PA 8 Archaeologists unearthed the base of the bucket in the most recent discovery at Sutton Hoo Credit: FAS Heritage Archaeologists say that the human remains found inside the posh Byzantine bucket belonged to an "important person". The so-called Bromeswell Bucket was discovered at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, an archaeological treasure trove with two major Anglo-Saxon burial sites dating back around 1,500 years. The site is famous for its Pieces of the copper-alloy bucket have been Advertisement Read more on archaeology The latest find was made by TV show Time Team working with the National Trust and FA Heritage. "Because of its proximity to fragments discovered much earlier, we had hoped this year's dig would yield more of the Bromeswell Bucket," said Angus Wainwright, of the National Trust. "Which originated from the Byzantine empire in the 6th century – around a hundred years before the ship and its extraordinary treasure was put to rest." Wainwright continued: "Thanks to closer inspection, we now believe that the bucket had been previously damaged and then repaired. Advertisement Most read in Science "In-depth analysis of the metals suggest it might even have been soldered back together." The bucket contains a "very norther, very Germanic cremation", according to Time Team archaeologist Helen Geake. 'Once in a century' Pompeii discovery as ancient luxury SPA is saved from ashes with thermal baths & stunning mosaic "It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo - it has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials," she told the BBC . DIG IN! The discovery was made at Garden Field, which has now been fully metal detected. Advertisement All of the items found at the site have been recorded in 3D and will be processed – so more discoveries might be on the horizon. The bucket itself has been a longstanding mystery for scientists. 8 Sutton Hoo is an iconic archaeological site in Britain, and is the location of a well-preserved Anglo Saxon ship burial Credit: Getty - Contributor 8 This replica shows an Anglo Saxon helmet like the ones found at Sutton Hoo Credit: PA:Press Association Advertisement 8 Replicas of the treasures found at Sutton Hoo show the craftsmanship of the people who used the site in Anglo Saxon times Credit: PA:Press Association It's decorated with a mysterious hunting scene that depicts naked warriors fighting with lions. And it has an inscription in Greek that says: "Use this in good health , Master Count, for many happy years". The latest dig unearthed the base of the bucket, which was packed with cremated remains. Advertisement "We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times, but it's always been a mystery why it was buried," Wainwright said. 8 Archaeologists have even recreated a replica of the Anglo Saxon burial ship found at Sutton Hoo Credit: Alamy "Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community. "I'm hopeful that further analysis will uncover more information about this very special burial." Advertisement DECADES-LONG MYSTERY The bucket has been found in several parts, with the first discovery made in 1986. More parts were unearthed in 2012, with a fresh lot discovered in the latest Time Team digs. SUTTON HOO EXPLAINED Here's what you need to know... Sutton Hoo is an important archaeological site. It's the location of Anglo-Saxon cemeteries dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The site is located near Woodbridge in Suffolk, UK. Excavations began in 1938 with the discovery of a ship burial packed with Anglo-Saxon treasures. Countless artefacts have been found at the site since then – with treasures still turning up today. The name Sutton Hoo comes from Old English with Sutton meaning "southern farmstead" and Hoo referring to "shaped like a heel spur". Picture Credit: Getty Images The bucket's base contained a burned comb with remarkably well-preserved teeth . Archaeologists believe it was likely made from an antler belonging to a deer. Advertisement The human remains are believed to belong to a high-status individual, while the cremated animal bones have been linked to an animal that's "larger than a pig", like a horse. This may have been a way of showcasing the elite status of the person whose remains were stored in the bucket. 8 Sutton Hoo is the site of Anglo Saxon burial mounds Credit: Alamy Human remains include parts of a skull and ankle bone. Advertisement Details on the age and sex of the individual haven't been revealed, by archaeologists hope to probe the comb for long-lost DNA that may shed light on the person inside the bucket. "This year's dig has been fantastic, and we've really been able to piece together part of a 40-year mystery and unearth a new chapter in the Sutton Hoo story," said Time Team creator Tim Taylor. He described Sutton Hoo as "England's Valley of the Kings'."
