During road construction, a group of workers discovered an ancient grave filled with gold.
According to Science Alert, in 2003, construction workers in Prittlewell, a town approximately 40 miles from London, stumbled upon an ancient grave while expanding a road. Over time, researchers unearthed a lyre, gold coins, a gold belt buckle, and luxurious items such as drinking horns and bowls.
Unfortunately, the remains of the deceased had long since decomposed due to the acidic soil, leaving only small fragments of tooth enamel.
Artifacts found within the tomb. (Image source: MOLLA).
The absence of skeletal remains made it nearly impossible for researchers to identify the owner of the grave. However, analyzing other artifacts led archaeologists to believe that a Christian Anglo-Saxon prince was buried there.
After more than 15 years of excavation and restoration, archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) discovered that this grave could be the earliest Christian royal burial site in England.
Researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine the age of the gold coins and infer the burial’s timeline.
The top of a wooden water bottle adorned with gold. (Image source: MOLLA).
Sophie Jackson, MOLA’s Director of Research and Engagement, shared with Business Insider, “Initially, we thought this could be King Saebert… but we know he died in 616, and this man may have been buried in the 580s or 590s.”
According to MOLA researchers, the burial chamber measures 4 square meters and is buried 1.5 meters underground. (Image source: MOLLA).
While it remains uncertain who was buried in the chamber, experts believe it could be Seaxa, the brother of King Saebert.
