Archaeologists Discover a Well-Preserved Sword From Early Medieval-Era in a Cemetery Engraved With Mysterious Runes

Archaeologists have recently unearthed many valuable artifacts from an early medieval cemetery in England. The item that garnered the most attention though was a well-preserved sword placed inside a man's grave, stated Smithsonian Magazine. The inscriptions on the sword captivated researchers who have yet to figure out its meaning. The weapon's positioning also showcased its elevated worth in the owner's life. Experts have also found traces of the sword's scabbard, made from wood and leather, on the site.

The resting places found in rural Kent were dated back somewhere between the fifth and sixth centuries C.E. by experts, according to The Guardian. The exact location has not been revealed yet to the public because more excavations are being planned on the site. "We’re keeping the name of the site under wraps. It’s a very rich cemetery. It would be a real tragedy if it became well known before we’ve excavated it," Duncan Sayer, the lead archaeologist and professor of archaeology at the University of Central Lancashire stated.

Researchers have excavated 12 burials from the site, and believe around 200 people could have been buried in them. The burial in which the sword was placed has been determined to be of a man by the team. Experts were ecstatic to recover the sword from this burial in an exceptional state. They compared the sword in terms of its state and value with other precious ancient weapons such as the one found in Sutton Hoo. "It’s really incredible, in the top echelons of swords, an elite object in every way, which is wonderful. It rivals the swords from Dover and from Sutton Hoo," Sayer added.

Researchers conducted a preliminary examination and stated that the handle was made of silver. Furthermore, they noted decorative patterns in the body and writings in runic script on the blade. The leather and wood scabbard was also unearthed and was observed to carry a beaver fur lining.  Researchers stated that the sword's pommel had a ring attached to it. The team thinks the ring symbolizes some oath that the individual could have taken in front of the then-royalty.

Experts think the sword was of personal importance to the buried man as he was laid to rest holding it, according to Smithsonian Magazine. "It looks like the man it was buried with is hugging it. …The hilt and guard end up at head and shoulder height, visually intermeshed with his face and his personal appearance," Sayer said. Researchers believe the weapon could have been a gift by royalty or an item that was passed on from generations in the dead man's family. Such factors could have been the reason behind the sword being positioned in such a way inside the grave. Currently, the weapon is in a lab going through detailed analysis and afterward will travel to the Folkestone Museum in Kent.

In the same grave, researchers also spotted a gold pendant with an inscription featuring either a serpent or dragon, according to The Guardian. Such jewelry pieces were worn by elite women in medieval times. This fact has made experts speculate that it could have been placed as a treasured keepsake from a female relative or ancestor. Researchers are hopeful that further excavations will give them more understanding regarding the early medieval times for which historical evidence is scarce.