New study reveals that Europe’s Bog Bodies stretched into the Middle Ages
An international team of archaeologists have analysed hundreds of ancient human remains found in Europe’s wetlands, revealing these “bog bodies” were part of a tradition that spanned millennia.
What we learned from a medieval Jewish cemetery in Erfurt
Last month we released a study examining the remains of the medieval Ashkenazi Jewish community in Erfurt, Germany. Our research has given us a better understanding of how this community lived in the Middle Ages.
Medieval skeletons help reveal genetic causes of bone tumours
Two men buried in a medieval graveyard in Ireland had a genetic condition called Multiple Osteochondromas, which causes benign bone tumours. One of the disease mutations is a new discovery, so this is the first time such information has been unlocked from ancient genomic data.
141 Early Medieval Burials discovered in England
Altogether, the discovery included over 2,000 beads, 89 brooches, 40 buckles, 51 knives, 15 spearheads and 7 shield bosses.
Umayyad-era graves discovered in Syria
A new study combining archaeological, historical and bioarchaeological data provides new insights into the early Islamic period in modern-day Syria. The research team was planning to focus on a much older time period but came across what they believe to be the remains of early Muslims in the Syrian countryside.
Early Medieval graveyard discovered
Archaeologists in Germany have discovered 110 graves dating back to the sixth and seventh centuries. Their finds include gold and bronze objects, along with a decapitated horse.
How to Guard Your Tang Dynasty Tomb
Let us delve into the surprisingly colorful and cute world of Tang dynasty ‘tomb guardians’.
Archaeologist reveals how diverse graves were in medieval Finland
Ulla Moilanen studied medieval graves in Finland and found out that the period was more diverse than previously thought.
The tomb of the Black Prince reveals its secrets
A new analysis of the tomb of Edward the Black Prince – who was due to become the King of England – has shed new light on the ingenuity of royal artists in the 14th century.
Ancient DNA analysis tells the story of the ‘Segorbe Giant’
An international research team of geneticists, archaeological scientists, and archaeologists has published the genome sequence of a unique individual from al-Andalus known as the ‘Segorbe Giant’.
A non-binary warrior in medieval Scandinavia?
The modern re-analysis of a grave found in Finland over 50 years ago is challenging the traditional beliefs about gender roles in medieval Scandinavia.
Researcher examines 26,000 graves to understand how early medieval people buried their dead
This relatively swift change – spreading across almost the entirety of western Europe in about 150 years – points to the interconnectedness of early medieval Europe, but is it as simple as that?
Why were people in the Early Middle Ages reopening graves?
In early medieval Europe, the dead and their possessions did not stop being important after the burial – researchers have discovered a widespread tradition of reopening graves.
Forensic archaeologist gives new clues to 800-year old bones discovered at Westminster Palace
Medieval bone fragments discovered beneath the Palace of Westminster in 1992 have finally given up their astonishing story, thanks to a University of Bradford lecturer.
What can ‘skeletal trauma’ tell us about the people of medieval Cambridge
University of Cambridge researchers examined the remains of 314 individuals dating from the 10th to the 14th century and collected evidence of “skeletal trauma”
From The Hobbit to Early Christian Burial in Scotland, with Adrián Maldonado
Kate Buchanan is joined by Adrián Maldonado to discuss Adrián’s journey to studying medieval Scottish history and his work on early Christian burial in Scotland and his current work with the Glenmorangie Research Project.
Viking Woman’s Grave discovered in Norway
She was placed in a burial chamber and took several hundred miniature beads with her on her last journey. Who was the woman who was buried by Valsøyfjord over 1000 years ago?
The study of Byzantine skeletons, with Chryssa Bourbou
A conversation with Chryssa Bourbou on what we learn from health and society in Byzantium from the study of skeletal remains.
Gjellestad was a major Viking burial ground, new research reveals
The ground-penetrating radar data showed 13 burial mounds once existed at Gjellestad, some over 30 metres wide.
The King and his brother in a shrine – a story of textiles
King Canute’s shrine no longer holds the precious silk textiles placed in it at his enshrinement. Instead it is likely that the textiles from his brother’s shrine at some point have been moved to King Canute’s shrine.
Understanding Anglo-Saxon burial practice patterns through radiocarbon dating: a case study from southern England
This paper will present preliminary data from a multifaceted approach to dating three Anglo-Saxon cemeteries in southern England, with mixed burial practices to reveal chronological patterns
6th century warlord discovered in England
Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a high-status warlord who lived in the sixth century. They believe the discovery will have important implications for our understanding of society in post-Roman Britain.
Black Death Mass Grave discovered in England
A mass burial of bodies, known to be victims of the Black Death, has been discovered at the site of a 14th-century monastery hospital at Thornton Abbey, in eastern England.
Microstructural History: What Metallurgy Can Tell Us about Early Medieval Burial Practices
Metallic microstructures inside weapon blades from early medieval cemeteries preserve rich, untapped histories of interactions between people and these objects.