Archaeologists in Wales have uncovered an early medieval cemetery, dating back to the 6th or 7th century. So far, 18 out of an estimated 70 graves have been excavated, revealing remarkably well-preserved skeletons.
Located in a nondescript field within Fonmon Castle’s grounds, near Cardiff airport, the cemetery has been the focus of two summer excavations. Teams from the University of Reading, led by osteoarchaeologist, Summer Courts, have carefully uncovered graves embedded in bedrock. The unearthed skeletons are approximately 1,500 years old and are surprisingly intact.
Unusual Burial Practices and Artifacts Unearthed
What’s particularly intriguing about this discovery is the variety of burial positions and the artifacts found with the bodies. Some skeletons are positioned traditionally on their backs, while others are on their sides or crouched with knees against their chests. This diversity raises questions about the burial customs of the period.
Dr Andy Seaman, a lecturer in early medieval archaeology at Cardiff University, who is heading the excavation, said: “This is a really exciting discovery. Sites of this date are extremely rare in Wales and often do not preserve bone and artifacts,” the Guardian reports.
“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.”
“It may or may not be…
