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New light on the Anglo-Saxon succession: two cemeteries and their dates

Part of: Anglo-Saxon archaeology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

C.M. Hills  and
T.C. O'Connell
C.M. Hills
Affiliation:
*Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DZ, UK
T.C. O'Connell
Affiliation:
*Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DZ, UK
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Abstract

The origin of the English is an interesting problem – and not only for them. In one short century, the evidence from texts, burial, artefacts, stable isotopes and now DNA provides several different answers to the question of whether England was invaded by Germans in the fifth century and if so in what manner. The rigorous approach by our authors tips the balance back in favour of a population changing its cultural allegiance – rather than being physically overwhelmed – but, as they emphasise, any new reading must depend on a very high level of archaeological precision – perhaps only now coming within reach.

Keywords

BritainEnglandRomansAnglo-Saxonsfifth centurymigrationacculturation
Type
Research
Information
Antiquity , Volume 83 , Issue 322 , December 2009 , pp. 1096 - 1108
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd 2009

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