Archaeology breakthrough as 'astonishing' ancient sword unearthed

Archaeologists have been left astonished after unearthing a remarkable sixth-century sword from an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Kent.

The newly discovered weapon features a silver-and-gilt handle with intricate patterns and a blade inscribed with runic characters. Remarkably, parts of its leather-and-wood sheath and the beaver fur lining have also stood the test of time.

The rounded knob at the end of the sword's handle, known as a pommel, also features a ring which might signify an allegiance to a noble or sovereign.

The breathtaking sword is just one of many finds at the site near Canterbury, currently undisclosed to protect against potential looting as further digs are planned.

To date, 12 graves have been excavated, but it's believed that up to 200 more lie waiting, indicating several years of research ahead. These burials hail from the fifth and sixth centuries.

Duncan Sayer, lead archaeologist and Professor of Archaeology at the University of Central Lancashire, told The Guardian: "We're keeping the name of the site under wraps.

"It's a very rich cemetery. It would be a real tragedy if it became well known before we've excavated it. It's really incredible, in the top echelons of swords, an elite object in every way, which is wonderful."

Archaeologists also found a gold pendant engraved with a serpent or dragon and believed from a high-status woman in the same grave.

The male graves contained weapons such as spears and shields, while the female graves held knives, brooches, buckles, and other items.

These discoveries will be showcased in the upcoming six-part series of BBC Two's Digging for Britain, revealing the secrets of an untouched Anglo-Saxon cemetery. The sword is hailed as one of the most extraordinary finds in the show's 12-series history.

Professor Alice Roberts, the academic presenter of the documentaries, said she'd never seen "one that's so beautifully preserved".

She added: "It's an extraordinary Anglo-Saxon cemetery, with really beautifully furnished graves, a lot of weapon burials where you find things like iron spear-points and seaxes, which are Anglo-Saxon knives and then there's this astonishing sword."

The dig is just one part of a larger study which has examined 300 early Anglo-Saxons along Britain's east coast, revealing that around 75% of their DNA hails from continental northern Europe.

Sayer said this indicates "a significant migration event after the Roman administration stopped in Britain". He added: "Before we published those results, there was still quite a lot of conversation about whether there really was a significant migration.

"Now it's absolutely definite that there has to have been a very significant influx, especially in the east coast taking place over generations. They're not coming from one place, but multiple places. This cemetery is right at the cutting-edge of that work."

The sword, among other discoveries, will be conserved in a meticulous process before eventually being displayed at the Folkestone Museum.