Archaeologists working in southern Wales have discovered a cemetery dating back 1400 years ago. Their research reveals that medieval feasting rituals would take place at gravesites.
Archaeologists from Cardiff University carried out a dig last summer within the grounds of Fonmon Castle, which lies near Barry, a town on the Welsh southern coast. It is thought that there may be as many as 80 graves, some of which display unusual features such as crouched body positions.
Advertisement
Researchers believe the site was not just used for burial. They also recovered many fragments of animal bone, some displaying evidence for butchery and cooking, metal working debris, and fragments of rare imported glass drinking vessels. They think that some of this material could relate to grave-side feasting rituals.
Students excavate one of the medieval graves found at Fonmon Castle – photo courtesy Cardiff University
“This is a really exciting discovery,” explains Dr Andy Seaman from the University of Cardiff. “Sites of this date are extremely rare in Wales and often do not preserve bone and artefacts. The Fonmon cemetery will allow us to discover so much about the people who lived here around 1,400 years ago.
Advertisement
“Other similar sites have found bodies in crouched positions such as this, but considering the number of graves we have looked at so far, there seem to be a high proportion. This could be evidence of some sort of burial rite being carried out. There is nothing to suggest that people were living near the site, so the evidence of cooking and glasses certainly suggests some level of ritual feasting, perhaps to celebrate or mourn the dead.”
Geophysical surveys undertaken in the area during 2021 revealed a number of new archaeological sites, which the archaeologists have been investigating. They initially thought they had discovered an ancient farmstead, but more detailed excavations have revealed a cemetery containing burials dating to the sixth and seventh centuries AD.
The excavation will continue for several seasons and is being undertaken with the help of students and volunteers who receive archaeological training on the project.
“I’ve worked at Fonmon for the last two summers, and it has been a fantastic experience,” adds Cardiff University Archaeology student Jessica Morgan. “My time here has given me the valuable skills I need for a career in archaeology, expanded my knowledge about early medieval archaeology, and brought me closer to my Welsh heritage. It is such an important and fascinating site, and I can’t wait for us to continue telling its story.”
Advertisement
An early medieval cemetery has been discovered within the grounds of Fonmon Castle.
Archaeologists from @CUHistArchRel carried out a dig in the summer, with further radiocarbon dating and analysis revealing the full extent of their find.
Archaeologists working in southern Wales have discovered a cemetery dating back 1400 years ago. Their research reveals that medieval feasting rituals would take place at gravesites.
Archaeologists from Cardiff University carried out a dig last summer within the grounds of Fonmon Castle, which lies near Barry, a town on the Welsh southern coast. It is thought that there may be as many as 80 graves, some of which display unusual features such as crouched body positions.
Researchers believe the site was not just used for burial. They also recovered many fragments of animal bone, some displaying evidence for butchery and cooking, metal working debris, and fragments of rare imported glass drinking vessels. They think that some of this material could relate to grave-side feasting rituals.
“This is a really exciting discovery,” explains Dr Andy Seaman from the University of Cardiff. “Sites of this date are extremely rare in Wales and often do not preserve bone and artefacts. The Fonmon cemetery will allow us to discover so much about the people who lived here around 1,400 years ago.
“Other similar sites have found bodies in crouched positions such as this, but considering the number of graves we have looked at so far, there seem to be a high proportion. This could be evidence of some sort of burial rite being carried out. There is nothing to suggest that people were living near the site, so the evidence of cooking and glasses certainly suggests some level of ritual feasting, perhaps to celebrate or mourn the dead.”
Geophysical surveys undertaken in the area during 2021 revealed a number of new archaeological sites, which the archaeologists have been investigating. They initially thought they had discovered an ancient farmstead, but more detailed excavations have revealed a cemetery containing burials dating to the sixth and seventh centuries AD.
The excavation will continue for several seasons and is being undertaken with the help of students and volunteers who receive archaeological training on the project.
“I’ve worked at Fonmon for the last two summers, and it has been a fantastic experience,” adds Cardiff University Archaeology student Jessica Morgan. “My time here has given me the valuable skills I need for a career in archaeology, expanded my knowledge about early medieval archaeology, and brought me closer to my Welsh heritage. It is such an important and fascinating site, and I can’t wait for us to continue telling its story.”
Top Image: Skeleton found in stone-lined grave – Photo courtesy Cardiff University
Related Posts
Subscribe to Medievalverse