A sixth-century cemetery has been discovered in the English town of Alton

In Alton (East Suffolk, England), archaeologists have unearthed a sixth-century Anglo-Saxon cemetery. The remains of more than 200 people were found here, which could continue to rest on the site of the construction of a future residential building. Thanks to archaeologists, scientists will now be able to study the traces of 191 skeletons, as well as about two dozen cremated remains. Due to the specific properties of the soil, the skeletons of men, women and children turned into so-called sand silhouettes: the bones were very fragile and merge with the soil. Some people were buried in wooden coffins, as evidenced by fragments.

Some of the graves contained fragments of pottery and several whole pots. Several burial sites and even presented surprises: an ancient sword, iron spearheads, shield (metal part surrounded by wooden remains). Researchers have already suggested that members of the farming community buried their loved ones in the cemetery. Artefacts indicate a transition period from paganism to Christianity, as a cross-shaped brooch belonging to an adult woman was found on the site.