Sutton Whose Helmet? Greatest Treasure of the Dark Ages

Unearthing the Sutton Hoo Helmet – Greatest Treasure of the Dark Ages

Get ready to dig deep into one of the greatest archaeological finds in British history! This episode explores the legendary Sutton Hoo Helmet, from its discovery in a 1939 ship burial to its painstaking restoration and fascinating design. Learn about how this intricate piece of Anglo-Saxon artistry was pieced together from fragments, what its stunning carvings and face mask reveal, and the theories about who might have worn it—perhaps even King Rædwald of East Anglia.

But it gets even juicier. Could this ornate helmet have belonged to a mercenary who once fought for the Byzantine Empire? We break down the evidence, the arguments, and the cultural connections that transport us to a surprisingly globalized seventh-century England. Plus, want to see it up close? We’ll tell you where to find it today and why Sutton Hoo is still delivering new discoveries.

Buckle up for an adventure through time as we uncover the stories behind one of early medieval Britain’s – better known as the ‘Dark Ages’ – most captivating artifacts.

Timestamps
0:00: Introduction to the Sutton Hoo ship burial
2:50: Detailed description of the Helmet
5:39: Who was the Helmet for?
7:35: New theory – A mercenary treasure?
9:06: The Helmet and Sutton Hoo today

Links & Resources
• Sutton Hoo and Syria: The Anglo-Saxons Who Served in the Byzantine Army?: https://academic.oup.com/ehr/article/139/601/1323/7941799

Related Episodes
• Staffordshire Hoard: The Greatest Discovery of Medieval Gold in History: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BnX6eaiUq4

#archaelogy #medieval #medievalhistory #darkages

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