Bergh Apton Anglo-Saxon cemetery facts for kids
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The Bergh Apton Anglo-Saxon cemetery is an old burial ground found in Norfolk, England. It dates back to the late 400s and 500s AD, a time when Anglo-Saxons lived in England. Archaeologists discovered this important site in 1973. They found 63 graves, including one with a special musical instrument called a lyre.
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Discovering the Bergh Apton Anglo-Saxon Cemetery
In 1973, experts called archaeologists dug up a special place in Bergh Apton, Norfolk. They found an ancient cemetery, which is a burial ground, from the time of the Anglo-Saxons. This cemetery was used between the late 400s and late 500s AD.
When they explored the site, archaeologists uncovered 63 graves. Sadly, some parts of the cemetery had already been damaged before the excavation. The bones found were in poor condition because of the soil. This made it hard to tell if the buried people were men or women. Instead, archaeologists looked at the items buried with them to figure this out.
What Was Found in the Graves?
The graves at Bergh Apton held many interesting items. These items are called "grave goods." They give us clues about the people who lived long ago.
Weapons and Jewellery
Archaeologists found weapons like shields and spears. They also discovered beautiful jewellery. These items tell us about the lives and status of the people buried there. For example, weapons might suggest a warrior, while jewellery could show wealth or importance.
The Special Lyre
One very exciting discovery was a lyre. A lyre is an ancient stringed musical instrument, a bit like a small harp. This lyre was found in a grave that might have belonged to a minstrel-poet. A minstrel-poet was someone who played music and told stories or poems. This lyre is similar to one found at the famous Sutton Hoo burial site. Finding a lyre is rare and tells us that music was important to some Anglo-Saxons.
Children's Graves
Among the 63 graves, twelve belonged to children. These children were all under 12 years old when they died. This reminds us that life was often short in Anglo-Saxon times.
Who Were the Anglo-Saxons?
The Anglo-Saxons were people who came from parts of Europe like Germany and Denmark. They settled in England after the Romans left, starting around the 400s AD. They formed many small kingdoms across England.
Anglo-Saxon Burial Customs
Anglo-Saxons had different ways of burying their dead. Sometimes they cremated bodies, burning them. Other times, they buried bodies in the ground, like at Bergh Apton. They often buried people with their belongings. These grave goods were believed to be useful in the afterlife or to show respect for the dead. Cemeteries like Bergh Apton were often located away from where people lived. No Anglo-Saxon settlement has been found next to this cemetery.
Where Are the Finds Now?
Today, all the amazing items found at the Bergh Apton Anglo-Saxon cemetery are kept safe. You can see them at the Norwich Castle Museum. Museums help us learn about history by preserving and displaying ancient objects.
