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Research Reveals Medieval Abbot Buried in Roman Sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey
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What Happened?
New research indicates that a skeleton found in a Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey belonged to a medieval abbot, not the Roman figure originally inscribed. The findings suggest the coffin was repurposed during the late Anglo-Saxon period.
Key points
- The sarcophagus was excavated in 1869 but had been uncovered earlier.
- It originally commemorated Valerius Amandinus, a wealthy Briton from the 4th century.
- Radiocarbon dating placed the skeleton's age between AD 987 and 1052.
- The skeleton belonged to a man aged 35 to 49, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall.
- Two possible identities for the skeleton are abbots Ælfwig and Wulfnoth.
Key insights
- The findings may indicate a trend of reusing Roman burial sites for medieval figures.
- Understanding the identity of the buried individual could provide insights into the religious hierarchy of the time.
- The research highlights the importance of archaeological conservation in uncovering historical narratives.
Why it matters
This discovery could reshape our understanding of burial practices in medieval England.
Tags
Entities
Westminster Abbey· LocationValerius Amandinus· PersonÆlfwig· PersonWulfnoth· Person
Source
Times of India
