British archaeologists have continuously found themselves “lost” amidst ancient Anglo-Saxon graves, where skeletal analyses starkly contrast with the lavish grave goods accompanying them.
In an article on The Conversation, Dr. James Davison, a medieval history researcher at the University of Liverpool, UK, noted that Anglo-Saxon graves were previously recognized for their clear gender delineation through burial artifacts.
For instance, male warriors were buried with weapons, riding gear, and tools for horseback riding, while the graves of contemporary noblewomen contained jewelry, sewing tools, and beads…
However, as techniques have advanced, allowing archaeologists to conduct detailed studies on skeletal remains, it has been discovered that there are some rare graves with reversed gender associations: women resting as warriors and men buried in feminine attire.
The iron helmet of an Anglo-Saxon warrior displayed in a museum. Occasionally found in graves containing female remains – (Photo: AP).
The emergence of such unusual ancient graves is so prevalent that a hypothesis has been proposed: Modern definitions of “transgender” may have existed since ancient times, recognized before being interrupted for a long period.
These particularly unique graves all belong to the early Anglo-Saxon period (around 450-750 AD).
Therefore, detailed research into this special burial practice is expected to add unique chapters to the history of England.
Dr. Davison’s research team examined 11 graves from that period at the pre-Christian cemetery in Buckland, marked as “distinct.”
For example, the individual in grave number 30 was identified as “certainly male” through skeletal analysis. However, he was buried with a silver brooch, a silver pin, 84 beads, and a silver pendant… indicating the noble status of a lady.
Meanwhile, grave number 93 was clearly female, but beside it were a sword, spearheads, decorated shield fragments, bronze bracelets, and bronze rings… all indicative of a warrior.
In the case of the female grave, there are more convincing alternative interpretations: it could be treasured heirlooms buried with a woman of high status or special affection; or simply, she was a female warrior.
However, there is also evidence allowing speculation that the two individuals mentioned above were a transgender woman and a transgender warrior who were both wealthy and respected within their community.
“While overarching approaches cannot provide a clear explanation for burials that fall outside traditional Anglo-Saxon gender understanding, the insights they lead to are based on the same evidence,” Dr. Davison wrote.
According to him, these special burial practices should be separated and incorporated into mainstream academia to provide a new perspective on the English-speaking world.
Archaeologists are also keen to seek out more ancient graves like these, hoping that one of them may hold something that offers a clearer explanation for the mysteries.
