Anglo-Saxon Burial Mounds

Definition

Anglo-Saxon burial mounds, also known as barrows, are earthworks constructed as grave sites for the dead, typically found in England from the 5th to the 11th centuries. These mounds served not only as tombs but also as markers of social status and power, reflecting the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon people. They often contained grave goods, which provided insight into the lives and customs of the individuals buried within.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anglo-Saxon burial mounds were typically constructed in specific locations, often on high ground to serve as visible markers within the landscape.
2. These mounds often varied in size, with larger mounds indicating higher social status and importance of the individuals buried inside.
3. Excavations of burial mounds have revealed a wealth of artifacts that provide insight into Anglo-Saxon culture, trade networks, and beliefs about life after death.
4. Some mounds contained multiple burials over time, suggesting ongoing practices of honoring the dead within family or community groups.
5. The presence of grave goods in these mounds indicates that the Anglo-Saxons believed in an afterlife where such items would be needed or useful.

Review Questions

• How do Anglo-Saxon burial mounds reflect the social hierarchy and beliefs of their time?
  • Anglo-Saxon burial mounds are significant because they reveal much about the social structure and beliefs of the period. The size and complexity of a mound often correlate with the status of the individual buried within, indicating a clear hierarchy in society. Additionally, the grave goods found within these mounds suggest that Anglo-Saxons believed in an afterlife where such items would be beneficial, reflecting their spiritual beliefs and customs surrounding death.
• Discuss the archaeological significance of Anglo-Saxon burial mounds and what they reveal about early medieval England.
  • Archaeologically, Anglo-Saxon burial mounds provide invaluable insights into early medieval England. The artifacts recovered from these sites reveal information about trade relationships, artistic practices, and daily life during this period. Furthermore, studying these mounds helps archaeologists understand funerary practices and how they evolved over time, contributing to a more comprehensive view of Anglo-Saxon culture.
• Evaluate the impact of discoveries made at Anglo-Saxon burial mounds on our understanding of Anglo-Saxon identity and culture.
  • Discoveries at Anglo-Saxon burial mounds have profoundly impacted our understanding of identity and culture during this era. The artifacts found within these graves highlight not only individual status but also shared community values and beliefs. By analyzing these items and their contexts, scholars can piece together a narrative about social roles, trade networks, and spiritual beliefs that shaped Anglo-Saxon life. This evaluation enriches our comprehension of how identity was constructed and expressed through burial practices.

Related terms

Tumuli: Another term for burial mounds or barrows, often used in archaeology to refer to these types of grave structures.

Ship Burials: A specific type of burial associated with high-status individuals, where the deceased was placed in a ship or a ship-shaped grave, highlighting their importance.

Grave Goods: Items placed in graves alongside the deceased, which can include weapons, jewelry, and tools, reflecting the status and identity of the individual.