In a notable discovery, archaeologists at a site in South Wales have unveiled a significant number of skeletons, predominantly from women, shedding light on a poorly understood phase of history known as the Early Medieval era. This period, spanning from approximately 400 to 1100 AD, lacks extensive documentation in historical sources, which has made it a challenging period for researchers. Project leader Andy Seaman, a scholar specializing in early medieval archaeology at Cardiff University, emphasized the scarcity of archaeological sites from this timeframe, highlighting the importance of this find as a window into this enigmatic era.
To date, 41 skeletons have been exhumed in this excavation, revealing that a substantial portion belonged to women who seemed to have led arduous lives, primarily engaged in agricultural work. The remains, dating back to around 500 to 600 AD, were found in individual graves, indicating a deliberate burial practice. Seaman notes that the evidence gathered from the skeletal remains suggests a challenging daily existence characterized by various health issues.
The archaeological team observed signs of physical strain and hardship among the skeletons. Notably, many individuals exhibited arthritis, degenerative joint diseases, and a range of broken bones and healed fractures, which Seaman associated with the demanding nature of agricultural labor and everyday life during this era. He mentioned that, despite the overall poor health conditions, there were indications of community care among the individuals, as evidenced by healed injuries such as leg fractures and even a broken neck associated with agricultural accidents.
Interestingly, the findings also reveal unconventional dietary habits. Despite residing near the coastline, these individuals seemingly did not consume fish, a behavior that raises questions about their dietary practices and social norms. Seaman suggested that the close proximity of the site to the sea did not translate into a reliance on marine resources for sustenance, leaving researchers curious about their food choices and daily living conditions within the cemetery itself.
Among the discoveries, researchers identified evidence that certain individuals within the graves might have held higher social status, indicative of significant levels of contact with mainland Europe. Fragments of exquisite glass drinking vessels imported from southwestern France provide a glimpse into the trade networks and exchanges that occurred during this period. Seaman noted the juxtaposition of the possession of high-status materials against the backdrop of poor health among the buried individuals, positing that while the distinction between rich and poor may not have been stark, everyone likely contributed to agricultural efforts.
This paradox of high-status materials alongside health challenges underscores the complexities of social dynamics during the Early Medieval era. Seaman expressed that high-status activities may have coexisted with daily struggles, suggesting that not every individual buried in this cemetery necessarily held high social standing.
The ongoing project aims to delve deeper into the connections between Wales and southwestern France, exploring whether people traveled along with goods. Researchers plan to excavate the remainder of the site, with estimates indicating there could be around 80 individuals laid to rest in total. Bioarchaeologist Katie Faillace, also affiliated with Cardiff University, noted the project’s progress and expressed enthusiasm as they begin constructing a more comprehensive understanding of the community represented at the cemetery.
Initial isotopic analyses suggest that many of these individuals may have local origins, while ongoing DNA tests promise to unveil further details about their lineage in the coming months. Once the entire excavation is complete, the remains will be reinterred in accordance with their original burial practices, and plans are underway to eventually allow public access to the site, enabling greater appreciation for the lives and stories of those buried there during this overlooked period in history.
