A lead coffin belonging to an aristocrat has been discovered. This exciting new find, associated with a person of great status, could provide new and valuable information about their ancient lifestyle and customs.
Where was it found? In a 1,600-year-old ancient cemetery. It’s in the north of the UK, Leeds City Council reports. It’s a rare find. It is the lead coffin of an aristocrat.
It turned up in archaeological excavations near Garforth, in Leeds, in the United Kingdom. Archaeologists found the skeletal remains of a late Roman aristocrat inside a lead coffin. Also the remains of more than 60 men, women and children who lived in the area more than 1,000 years ago. It is written by Leeds City Council.
Unique discovery
The cemetery is near several Late Roman stone buildings and Anglo-Saxon style structures. The discovery was made in the northern spring of last year. It came to light only recently due to the confidentiality of the information.
“The possibility of discovering burials always exists. But such a significant cemetery of such an emblematic period is a stroke of luck. For me it has been an honor to find a lead coffin with an aristocrat. It was a team effort,” said Kylie Buxton, excavation manager.
In addition to the Roman coffin, burial practices there could indicate early Christian beliefs. So do the Saxon burials. They were accompanied by personal objects such as knives and pottery.
“The discovery of the lead coffin of an aristocrat is very valuable. It gives an insight into the development process of the ancient United Kingdom and Yorkshire,” stated David Hunter. He is an archaeologist with West Yorkshire Joint Services. He says the lead coffin is an extraordinary find.
Light in time
After the withdrawal of the Romans from the territory of the United Kingdom, West Yorkshire was in the kingdom of Elmet. It remained British/Roman for just over 200 years.
This provides new information about the period of the fall of the Roman Empire in 400 A. C. This is the time of the emergence of the famous Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Chemical tests could also reveal details about people’s ancestry.
