Helen Gittos, a distinguished professor of medieval history at Oxford University, has recently introduced a fascinating theory regarding the identity of the remains discovered at the renowned Sutton Hoo burial site in Suffolk, England. Gittos, who has extensively researched artifacts from Sutton Hoo and other similar Anglo-Saxon burial sites, outlined her new theory in a paper published in the English Historical Review. Her ideas challenge previous assumptions about the identity of the individuals buried at Sutton Hoo, offering a fresh perspective on a discovery that has captivated archaeologists, historians, and the general public for decades.
Sutton Hoo, an ancient burial ground discovered in the late 1930s, has long been the focus of significant archaeological attention. The site is located near the North Sea coast, near a port in East Anglia, and consists of 20 burial mounds, with the most famous of them containing the remains of a full ship. This ship burial, along with the high-quality artifacts unearthed from beneath the mounds, suggests that the individuals buried at Sutton Hoo were of high status—possibly even royalty. The burial mounds, which date back to approximately 575 AD, offer a window into the world of the Anglo-Saxons in Britain during the post-Roman period, a time when the Roman Empire had long since withdrawn from Britain, and the region was developing its own unique cultural identity.
The discovery of the ship burial in 1939 made headlines worldwide and has since been considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in British history. The site’s location, coupled with the extraordinary artifacts found there, has led to much speculation about the identity of those buried there. Early interpretations of the site suggested that the burial might be that of a king, possibly of Byzantine or even Eastern origin. The hypothesis that a Byzantine king could be buried at Sutton Hoo was supported by the discovery of items such as Byzantine-style silver plates and jewelry, which hinted at connections to the Byzantine Empire, a powerful civilization centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) that had a far-reaching influence during the time.
However, Gittos’ research suggests a different, and perhaps more nuanced, interpretation of the Sutton Hoo burial. Drawing upon her extensive study of the artifacts found at Sutton Hoo and comparing them with those from similar burial sites in the region, Gittos proposes that the individuals buried at Sutton Hoo were likely soldiers who had fought in the Byzantine Empire’s campaigns against the Sasanians, a powerful dynasty in what is now Iran. This theory challenges the idea of a Byzantine king being buried at Sutton Hoo and instead focuses on the role of mercenary soldiers, many of whom were recruited from Britain to serve in the Byzantine army during the 6th century.
Gittos supports her argument by pointing out the high-quality nature of the artifacts found at Sutton Hoo, which include intricately designed jewelry, silver plates, and weapons such as swords and shields. These items are not only indicative of wealth and high status but also exhibit characteristics and craftsmanship seen in other burial sites associated with Anglo-Saxon warriors. By studying these artifacts, Gittos notes similarities to those found in graves of other soldiers from the same period, suggesting that the individuals buried at Sutton Hoo were not merely wealthy or royal but may have been revered warriors who had returned from campaigns with the Byzantine army. This theory aligns with previous historical evidence that soldiers from Britain, particularly from the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of East Anglia, were recruited to fight in the Byzantine Empire’s wars against the Sasanians, as well as other conflicts across the Mediterranean.
One of the most striking aspects of Gittos’ theory is her suggestion that the people who buried the individuals at Sutton Hoo regarded them as heroes. The lavish nature of the burial, including the ship burial, implies that these men were highly honored in death, likely because of their military exploits. The idea that Anglo-Saxon warriors returning from Byzantine campaigns would be held in such high esteem suggests a unique cultural exchange between the East and the Anglo-Saxon world. It also sheds light on the nature of heroism and honor in early medieval Britain, where warriors who fought in distant lands could attain legendary status upon their return.
Further supporting Gittos’ theory is her observation that recent excavations at Sutton Hoo have shown that more than one individual was buried with the ship. In the past, it was commonly believed that the site contained the remains of a single high-status individual, possibly a king. However, new evidence, uncovered during ongoing excavations, reveals multiple burials, which suggests that Sutton Hoo may have been a collective burial site for a group of individuals, rather than a single royal figure. This discovery has significant implications for how we view the social structure and burial practices of the time. Rather than a solitary, high-ranking king, the site may represent a group of revered warriors or leaders, further supporting Gittos’ idea that these were not just elite individuals, but warriors who had earned their place of honor through military service.
The theory put forth by Helen Gittos is significant not only for its fresh perspective on Sutton Hoo but also for its implications for our understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain. The 6th century was a time of great upheaval, as Britain was transitioning from the Roman Empire’s dominance to a more fragmented, local power structure dominated by various kingdoms. The rise of the Anglo-Saxons in this period is closely tied to the political and military dynamics of the time. The idea that British soldiers could have traveled to fight for the Byzantine Empire reflects the complex web of alliances and interactions between different cultures in the early medieval period.
Gittos’ theory also challenges traditional notions of what constituted “royalty” and “nobility” in early medieval Britain. While the artifacts found at Sutton Hoo certainly suggest that the individuals buried there were of high status, Gittos’ interpretation emphasizes that status could be earned through military prowess, rather than simply through hereditary titles. This provides a more dynamic and fluid view of Anglo-Saxon society, where warriors and soldiers could rise to prominence through their actions on the battlefield, rather than being born into power.
Moreover, Gittos’ work highlights the broader implications of the Sutton Hoo site in the context of Anglo-Saxon history. Sutton Hoo is often seen as a symbol of early medieval British culture, offering a glimpse into the religious, political, and social practices of the time. Through her theory, Gittos encourages us to reconsider how these practices might have been influenced by broader historical events, such as the Byzantine-Sasanian wars. The potential for cultural exchange between Britain and the Byzantine Empire invites a more nuanced understanding of early medieval Europe, one in which the connections between east and west were far more complex than previously imagined.
More information: Helen Gittos, Sutton Hoo and Syria: The Anglo-Saxons Who Served in the Byzantine Army?, The English Historical Review (2025). DOI: 10.1093/ehr/ceae213