Anglo-Saxon equivalent of Tut’s tomb dug up
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, England — An underground chamber discovered accidentally by road workers appears to be the site of the earliest Christian royal burial ever found in Britain, archaeologists say, calling it the Anglo-Saxon equivalent of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.
The chamber, uncovered between a road and a railway line in the southeastern English village of Prittlewell in 2003, turned out to be a 1,400-year-old tomb.
New details were published Thursday about the finding, which archaeologists say is the most important Anglo-Saxon burial discovery in over 70 years.
Treasures unearthed include a golden belt buckle, gleaming glassware and an elaborate water vessel from the eastern Mediterranean.
Researchers say the luxury items indicate the chamber’s occupant was a man of high standing. Two gold-foil crosses at the head of the coffin suggest a Christian burial.
“This is a really rich burial. It’s a statement, it’s a theatrical statement being made about the family, about this person,” said Liz Barham, a senior conservator at Museum of London Archaeology who worked on the dig.
Sophie Jackson, director of research and engagement at Museum of London Archaeology, said the discovery is “our equivalent of Tutankhamun’s tomb.” Locals have nicknamed the unknown occupant the “Prittlewell Prince.”
Fragments of tooth enamel — the only human remains uncovered — revealed he was over 6 years old, and the size of the coffin suggests he was about 5 foot 8 inches tall.
Jackson said the “best guess” is that it was Seaxa, brother of King Saebert, the first Anglo-Saxon king to convert to Christianity.
She said the burial came at a time when Christianity was vying in Britain with older pagan beliefs.