During the sixth century, Anglo-Saxon individuals may have left Britain to travel to the eastern Mediterranean and northern Syria to participate in wars, according to researchers. This sheds new light on the princely burials found at sites such as Sutton Hoo, Taplow, and Prittlewell. St John Simpson, a senior curator at the British Museum, and Helen Gittos, a scholar from Oxford, have suggested that some of the unique items discovered at these locations originated in the eastern Mediterranean and northern Syria, indicating possible involvement in military campaigns in the late sixth century.
The artifacts found at these sites include objects like Sasanian personal seals and silver drachms, challenging the idea that these items were obtained through conventional trade routes. The armor and riding apparel found buried with the individuals show designs of Eurasian origin, hinting at their involvement in conflicts between the Byzantine and Sasanian empires in the region.
Simpson emphasized that these discoveries bring an international dimension to the Anglo-Saxon sites, highlighting their participation in significant historical events outside of England. The Anglo-Saxon warriors were at the forefront of major conflicts during the late antiquity period, showcasing their global connections and experiences beyond their homeland.
At Sutton Hoo, a rich burial site containing Byzantine silverware was uncovered, while Taplow revealed remains of a man wearing a riding jacket with Eurasian influences. Prittlewell’s burial chamber contained a copper flagon with Sasanian-style imagery, further solidifying the eastern connections of these individuals.
The presence of bitumen lumps at Sutton Hoo, originating from north-east Syria, suggests a symbolic or practical purpose related to the warriors’ beliefs or medical practices. The discovery of a unique pottery bottle at the site, likely containing scented oil from northern Mesopotamia, adds to the evidence of Anglo-Saxon engagement in the region.
These findings lead researchers to believe that the Anglo-Saxon warriors might have served under Byzantine emperors like Tiberius II and Maurice, indicating a recruitment of fighters from western Europe for a mobile army. Gittos mentioned that this perspective offers a new understanding of early medieval British history, highlighting the interconnectedness of different regions during this period.
Overall, the research into the potential involvement of Anglo-Saxon individuals in conflicts in northern Syria provides valuable insights into their role in broader historical events and their connections to distant lands. It illustrates the complexities of ancient trade, warfare, and cultural exchanges that shaped the lives of these individuals beyond the borders of their homelands, transforming our understanding of early medieval history.
