Archaeologists recently discovered a mysterious 1,500-year-old bucket in one of England's most historic sites - which is not pleasant.
The National Trust has issued a statement on the Byzantine Bromeswell barrel discovered in Sutton Hoo in May.
Since its first excavation in 1938, Sutton Hoo is the ruins of two ancient Anglo-Saxon cemeteries that provide a wealth of knowledge about Norman's British history.
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During an excavation last summer, archaeologists unearthed the foundations of Bromeswell barrels, which date back to the 6th century. Different fragments of barrels were found in past excavations, but this latest discovery has allowed researchers to study more.
On the basis of hand, the researchers quickly started using a variety of techniques, including computed tomography, CT scans, and X-rays, and found the answer.
Archaeologists recently discovered the purpose of the 6th-century Byzantine Bromeswell, discovered in two cemeteries by Sutton Hoo. (National Trust Images/David Brunetti/James Dobson)
In the turning point of the morbid event, experts learned that the bucket was used to preserve the cremated remains of important figures and their graves.
"The discovery of cremated human and animal bones confirmed that the discovery was used as a cremation ship," the National Trust noted.
The organization added: “The cremated human skeleton includes a portion of the talus (ankle bone) and fragments of the skull bank (the upper part of the skull that protects the brain).
"It's an extraordinary mixture - a ship from the classical world of the south, with a very northern, very Germanic cremated remains."
Buckets date back to the 500s. It adorns a hunting scene, depicting men with swords and shields, as well as dogs and lions – the past depicts vivid images of past lives.
"The latest fragments include the feet, claws, the bottom of the shield, and even the missing face of one of them," the statement said.
The bucket originated in Antioch in the Byzantine Empire in the 500s. (National Trust Image/David Brunetti)
The bucket is believed to have come from Antioch, the Byzantine Empire in modern Türkiye.
"The letter form used in the barrel design indicates that it was made in the 6th century, which means it has been 100 years since it had reached Sutton Hoo," the National Trust noted.
The researchers also discovered "mysterious objects", which turned out to be a double-sided comb made of deer antlers. Interestingly, the object was not burned.
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The National Trust said the existence of the combs showed that the Anglo-Saxons took the modification seriously because combs were previously found in burials of men and women.
"Romantically, combs are also useful for lice control," the statement said. "Although the human bones in cremation cannot be separated, it is hoped that the owner's ancient DNA will survive on the comb, and the analysis can reveal more about them."
Sutton Hoo has provided a wealth of knowledge since its first excavation in 1938. (Getty Image)
National Trust archaeologist Angus Wainwright said his "hopeful" future research will find new insights into "this very special funeral."
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"We know that this bucket was originally a rare and precious property of the Anglo-Saxon era, but it has always been a mystery why it was buried," Wainwright said.
“Now, we know it is used to contain the remains of an important figure in the Sudonhou community.”
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Anglo-Saxon expert Helen Geake told the National Trust that the Bromeswell barrel’s puzzle was “finally” solved.
“Why being buried has always been a mystery.”
"Now we know that this is the first object ever to be used to cremate a burial," she said.
"It's an extraordinary mixture - a ship from the classical world of the south, with a very northern, very Germanic cremated remains."
The description of burial in the Sutton River is shown during the Anglo-Saxon period. (Getty Image)
She also said Sutton Hoo's discovery "reflects a sense of strangeness," which attracted British history enthusiasts for decades.
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"It has ship burials, burials, mound burials and now bathroom burials," Geake observed.
"Who knows what else?"