Monday, 14th April 2008 (1065 views)

Gold jewellery discovered on remains at a seventh-century Anglo-Saxon burial site in England could mean that archaeologists have found the last resting place of an ancient pagan cult leader, according to reports.

Zee News cites Discovery News as saying the jewellery was found draped around the remains of a female in a grave in Yorkshire, alongside weapons such as knives and a single-edged sword known as a langseax.

The pendant includes red gems set against a gold foil that would have reflected light onto a central blue stone when worn around the neck, the site says.

Project director Stephen Sherlock said the piece was "unique" for its time, it added.

Scientists now believe that the finds point to the woman being a member of royalty. The layout of the cemetery's burial chambers also indicated she was the head of a pagan cult.

The site says Sherlock has identified a number of "likely suspects" for the remains, including Ethelburga, wife of King Edwin of Northumbria, who went on to convert and become a Christian saint. Other candidates include Eanflaed, the wife of King Oswiu or the king's daughter, Aelflaed.

Anglo-Saxons dominated England's south and south-west regions between the fifth century AD and the Norman invasion of 1066.

 

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